Symptom Relief for Adults
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Antihistamines like ZYRTEC® work by blocking the action of the chemical histamine to relieve sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, and itchy nose and throat. Antihistamines come in pill, liquid, and nasal spray forms, and are available over the counter and by prescription.
Decongestants relieve nasal and sinus congestion by shrinking swollen membranes. Decongestants come in pill, liquid, and nasal spray forms, and are usually available over the counter. They are often combined with antihistamines. ZYRTEC-D® is a combination antihistamine-decongestant.
Antihistamine Eye Drops like ZYRTEC® Itchy Eye Drops are available over the counter and can help relieve allergy itchy eye symptoms within minutes.
Leukotriene Antagonist work by blocking the action of the chemical, leukotriene, to relieve congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itchy nose. This medication is available by prescription.
Intranasal Corticosteroids are available in nasal spray forms to help prevent and treat inflammation of the nasal passages while relieving congestion and other nasal allergy symptoms. This medication is available by prescription.
Mast Cell Stabilizer Nasal Sprays stop mast cells from releasing histamine to relieve runny/itchy nose, sneezing and stuffy nose caused by allergies. This medication is available over the counter.
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) involves a series of injections containing small amounts of the troubling allergen(s) into the body to provoke an antibody response. These are administered by a healthcare professional over several years to reduce sensitivity and promote tolerance of the allergen.
Have a Productive Conversation with your Doctor
A great place to start building your allergy strategy might be with your doctor. An ongoing conversation with a healthcare professional can ensure your personal strategy improves as you learn about what causes triggers and why. Here's a checklist to help you get started:
Contact your primary care physician or – if possible – an allergist.
- Their expertise and knowledge of your medical history can help develop the foundation of your allergy management plan.
Prior to your visit, ask yourself these questions:
- 1. What symptoms do I typically experience? (Ex: itchy eyes, watery eyes, runny nose)
2. When do my symptoms typically occur? Are they year-round or seasonal?
3. Where do your symptoms usually occur? At home? Outside?
For more information on triggers, see Indoor and Outdoor Allergies.
During your conversation with a healthcare professional, ask about ways you can reduce your allergy triggers.
- Once you have identified the what, when and where of your allergy triggers, a healthcare professional can give you better recommendations for helpful products or changes to your environment.
With the help of a healthcare professional, set personal goals for allergy management.
- They can assist you in developing a plan that might include indoor and outdoor management techniques, allergen avoidance whenever possible or more extreme lifestyle choices.
Your Own Allergy Resource Guide
There are many organizations that offer resources to help manage your allergies.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
• The Virtual Allergist®, an interactive symptom checker
• Allergy and asthma videos
• Finding an allergist or immunologist in your area
• Pollen reports by the National Allergy Bureau (NAB)
• Just For Kids, games, videos and other fun allergy education tools for kids
World Allergy Organization (WAO)
• Allergic Diseases Resource Center, educational resources
• Patient Information, finding hospitals and organizations in your area
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
• Educational resources
• Find an AAFA Partner Clinic in your area
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• Parenting Corner, search "Allergies" for resources as a parent
