Sneezing and sniffling are common symptoms of allergies as well as a constantly dripping nose. Sometimes these symptoms can interfere with your daily activities. With the right medication, you can begin to help get you through the day. You can purchase many over-the-counter medications for your allergy symptoms, or your doctor might prescribe something different for you. The most common allergy medication is an antihistamine, which dries up the drainage associated with allergies. Since the mission of this drug is to dry, it often produces some side effects such as dry mouth, difficult urination, or constipation. Older antihistamines may cause drowsiness, but most newer ones don't. Another medication for allergy treatment is a decongestant. These open up your membranes relieving nasal stuffiness. Two types of nasal spray can often be helpful as well: corticosteroid (cort-ih-COH-ster-oyd) and Cromolyn Sodium (Nasalcrom). Corticosteroid nasal sprays reduce the inflammation that causes nasal congestion. Use them two weeks before allergy season begins. Nasalcrom used to be available only by prescription, but now it's available over the counter. By reducing inflammation that causes nasal congestion, it relieves you of your runny nose, sneezing and other nasal symptoms. Eye drops can soothe red, itchy, watery eyes as well as reduce swelling. Contact your doctor for help in choosing an allergy medication that's right for you.
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