Prevention & Management While you may not be able to entirely eliminate your allergies, there are ways to reduce their severity. What triggers your allergy symptoms? You can start by identifying your allergy triggers. This is the first step to reducing your exposure to these substances. Use this helpful checklist to help determine what’s causing your allergies. You may want to share the completed checklist with your doctor when discussing your condition. Allergy treatment Even with careful management of your environment, you may not always be able to avoid contact with allergens. That’s when allergy treatment can help. Medicines There are effective over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines available to relieve your symptoms. Here is basic information about some types of medicine commonly used for allergies. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you advice on which specific medicine or combination of medicines may be right for you.

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• Antihistamines – are the most commonly used medications to treat upper respiratory allergies. They work by blocking the action of histamine – a chemical released by your body during an allergic reaction – to relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose. Antihistamine products come in several forms, such as pills, liquids and nasal sprays, and are available over-the-counter (OTC) and by prescription.
• Decongestants – are used to relieve nasal and sinus congestion. They work by shrinking swollen membranes. Decongestants are often combined with antihistamines to relieve more symptoms. Decongestants come in nasal sprays and drops, pills and liquids, and usually are available over-the-counter.
• Mast cell stabilizers – can help prevent the symptoms of nasal allergies by blocking the release of histamine. An over-the-counter nasal spray is available, and works best when you start using it before your allergy symptoms begin.
• Nasal steroid sprays – are available by prescription only. These medicines help prevent and treat the nasal inflammation associated with upper respiratory allergies and relieve symptoms.

Be sure to read label instructions carefully before using any medicine – OTC or prescription.

Allergy Shots
Allergy shots are another allergy treatment option. Allergy shots, or “immunotherapy”, are used when medicines are not effective in controlling your allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy involves a series of injections given to you by a doctor or other medical professional over the course of several years. These shots contain extracts of the allergens that trouble you. They are intended to reduce your sensitivity to these substances. Your doctor can provide you with more information on immunotherapy.