If you are trying to decide on an over the counter allergy medicine, of course first and foremost you should learn about the different allergy relief medicine options that you have to choose from. This way you will have a place to start, and have a better idea of which over the counter allergy medicine products are going to work best on you.
Before deciding on an actual over the counter allergy medicine to try, you should learn about the different types that are available.
Antihistamines
These are generally the first that doctors prescribe to their patients who are suffering from allergies. Antihistamine medicines work by blocking histamine from interacting with the nasal tissues, so that as a result the symptoms of allergies are prevented before they even start.
There are many different varieties of antihistamines that are available today, but it may take a bit of trial and error before you can find one that actually works for you.
Decongestants
There are also the decongestants, which work much differently. These medicines work by helping to reduce the swelling in your head and nose, which are both symptoms of allergies, and as a result this relieves the pressure and improves airflow through your sinuses.
Topical Corticosteroids
Although not recommended half as often, this is another option, one that your doctor may suggest if you are dealing with allergies. These work by helping to control the itching, swelling and inflammation caused by allergies.
Remember, choosing the right over the counter allergy medicine is crucial if you want to effectively deal with your allergies and get back to living as normal a life as you possibly can. If you have just started experiencing allergies as of lately or otherwise are not sure which over the counter allergy medicine is going to be right for you, talk to your doctor and they will be able to work with you on this.
You should never stop taking any medication abruptly, and always listen to your doctor. They have dealt with many cases of allergies in the past, and so they are going to know which treatment will work best for you, and be able to tell you whether or not you are making proper improvement. If they find that your allergies are just staying the same or even getting worse, they will most likely need to change you to a different allergy medication or even try a combination of two or more to get the best results.