As allergy specialists, the team at Nizar A. Tejani MD PC knows that there’s nothing fun about the way hay fever and other common respiratory allergies affect your life. When symptoms start, you want fast relief to return to regularly scheduled living as fast as possible.
Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications are often effective for occasional use against mild to moderate allergies. However, they might not be enough to control severe allergy symptoms.
Let’s examine the capabilities of OTC solutions and alternatives to fill the gap when your drug store options are limited.
You’ve got three approaches to choose from in OTC allergy medications. These are:
Each of these remedies can be purchased as a nasal spray. Antihistamines and decongestants are also available as pills and liquids.
As with any medication, OTC or prescription, allergy drugs may interact with your other medications or supplements. Side effects may also interfere with your ability to use some OTC products.
If you have asthma or another respiratory condition that can complicate your allergy symptoms, OTC medications may not be strong enough to counter the combined effects. Severe allergic reactions and symptoms could also be beyond the scope of an OTC product’s effectiveness.
Dr. Tejani can offer prescription-strength alternatives to OTC approaches, such as stronger antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays.
There are additional strategies in the form of immunotherapy, the most common being allergy shots. We’ll test you to identify the specific triggers for your allergic reactions before formulating an injectable serum that serves as the foundation for a treatment plan.
While allergy shots cannot cure an allergic response, they can reduce sensitivity to an allergen and significantly reduce active symptoms.
Not all allergies create respiratory symptoms. Food allergies are primarily treated with avoidance, antihistamines, and epinephrine auto-injectors, which are used for extremely severe allergies.
Skin allergies may have OTC options, such as topical creams or ointments. Talk with your pharmacist for recommendations. If OTC products fail, Dr. Tejani can recommend prescription options.
You can request an allergy consultation with Nizar A. Tejani, MD, PC, online or by phone. Together, we’ll find the right solution for your symptoms and lifestyle. Book your visit now.
