Cases of seasonal allergic rhinitis shoot up in mid-August when ragweed allergy season begins. There are about 36 million people in the United States suffering from allergic reactions caused by billions of pollen in the air, traveling for hundreds of miles.

There might not really be cure for allergies but there are a lot of medications which you can buy over the counter or have prescribed by your doctor, which can help control your allergy symptoms. Annoying allergic rhinitis symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and throat irritation can be handled well with antihistamines, prescription nasal sprays, allergy shots or other medicine combinations.  

The best way to control one’s allergies is by knowing one’s allergy triggers. In most cases though, we don’t have a clue at all. Here are some of the best treatments to consider for your seasonal allergy:

Antihistamines

You can get antihistamines in all forms. There are tablets, capsules, or liquid which you can take orally to help control the allergic reaction and symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and itchy nose.  There are also topical anti-histamines in the form of eye drops and nasal sprays which can give the same benefit. Some of these drugs may cause drowsiness.  Precaution should be taken when driving, using dangerous machinery or equipment; or engage in any activity which requires full concentration.  

The doctor will be able to guide you on the dosage of the medication.

Decongestants and Nasal Sprays

You can ask your doctor if decongestants can help you control the nasal or sinus congestion caused by ragweed-induced allergic rhinitis. Decongestants can help unclog your stuffy nose and relieve sinus pressure and provide relief of these annoying symptoms.

Decongestants are available in different forms.  Oral decongestant tablets, capsules or liquid can be obtained over the counter. You should be aware that side-effects of these medications can include tremors, irritability, insomnia, palpitations, or can aggravate high blood pressure.  Topical decongestant nasal sprays are also available over the counter however precaution should be taken since these can cause “rebound nasal congestion” once the nose gets ”addicted” to the decongestant nasal spray.

Other medications, including steroids, anticholinergics, and antihistamines, can be delivered via a nasal spray to help control the symptoms caused by the allergic rhinitis.  Intranasal steroids help control the inflammation in the nasal membranes induced by the allergic reaction.  Anticholinergic agents help control the profuse nasal secretions that cause the runny nose and post-nasal drip, and antihistamines block histamine which causes the sneezing, itching and runny nose.  

Allergy Shots

Allergen immunotherapy, also called allergy shots, help people increase their tolerance to different allergens. These shots are often given to people who suffer from moderate to severe allergic reactions not controlled despite taking multiple medications, symptomatic more than three months in a year, or when in situation where the allergen exposure is totally unavoidable. Allergy shots do not cure you from the allergies symptoms but help your body tolerate exposure to allergens like ragweed pollen. The times you will get the shot and the dosage will depend on the severity of your allergies. Make sure that you report any discomfort or shortness of breath to your allergist so they give you the appropriate dosage.