Surviving Summer allergies

photo credit: egor.gribanov

Spring time is not the only time of misery for allergy sufferers.  Uncomfortable symptoms persist into the summer time as pollens, molds, and dust get a boost from the inevitable heat and humidity.  Living in Michigan during the hottest month of the year provides a great challenge to those suffering from Summer allergies. 

Now allergy sufferers can finally breathe a sigh of relief.  Today's medicine provides plenty of choices for relieving the symptoms of seasonal allergies.  Antihistamines are providing its users with the freedom to finally enjoy the outdoors year round; many times without drowsiness.  New 12-hour and 24-hour versions provide all day relief; allowing users to feel like allergy season is a thing of the past.

photo by: Oakleyoriginals

Histamine is a substance the body releases during an allergic reaction. Once released, histamine causes symptoms in the body such as itching, redness, rash, sneezing, inflammation, and even respiratory distress.  Antihistamines block histamine from the body's cells and prevent it from causing symptoms. 

Allergy medicines in the form of antihistamines have been around for a long time.  The vast majority of these medicines are available without a prescription and can be found at your local pharmacy.  When choosing an antihistamine, one has to decide whether to go with a first generation or second generation medication. 

First generation antihistamines are most likely found in older allergy and cold medications.  Although effective, these medicines are known to cause drowsiness, lack of concentration, and dry mouth.  Examples of first generation antihistamines are brands names such as Dimetapp Cold & Allergy, Robitussin Allergy & Cough, Benadryl, NyQuil, Nytol, and Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time. 

Second generation anthistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness and dry mouth.  They also last longer than first generation counterparts; usually only needing 1-2 doses per day.  Examples of second generation antihistamines are brand names like Claritin and Alavert which contain Loratadine, and Zyrtec which contains cetirizine.  Zyrtec can cause some drowsiness, but this is usually less of a problem than with a first generation antihistamine. 

photo by: creatingkoan

Another option in the battle against allergy symptoms is to get a prescription from your doctor.  Prescription allergy medications  including corticosteroids, are usually less likely to cause side effects such as drowsiness or dry mouth. 

They can include oral steroids such as prednisone and prelone or nasal steroids such as Flonase and Nasonex.  Inhaled steroids like Flovent and Pulmacort can treat both allergies and asthma. 

Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone block histamine reactions in the skin.  Some of the low potency hydrocortisone creams are actually available without a prescription. 

Prescription antihistamines such as Allegra are also quite effective.  Allegra contains Fexofenadine and is also available with a decongestant (Allegra-D).  The product is available in a 12-hour and 24-hour pill. 

Summer brings a different batch of seasonal allergens than we usually see in the Spring.  Although, mold seems to be the culprit in almost every season, the earlier season involves irritants such as tree pollens which tend to die down by the time Summer rolls around.  Allergens such as Ragweed, grass, and weed pollens are most likely to cause trouble for allergy sufferers in the Summer.  Michigan Allergy Report is a great website to keep you up to speed on the allergens in your area.   Once on the site, choose your city or metropolitan area and Pollen.com will provide you a free 4-day allergy forecast.

Now that you are armed with all of the weapons to fight off allergy symptoms, the great outdoors can once again be great for you.  Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about all of these medications (including over-the-counter ones) before you begin taking them.  Antihistamines and steroids can interact with other medications and affect other medical conditions.  Women who are pregnant should avoid all medications unless instructed otherwise by a physician.