Best Medicine For Itchy Watery Eyes And Nose
If you suffer from allergies, you know how irritating itchy, watery eyes and nose can be. These symptoms can make it difficult to get through the day, especially if you have to work or go to school. Fortunately, there are a number of effective medicines available that can help relieve these symptoms. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the best medicines for itchy watery eyes and nose.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medicine that block the effects of histamine, which is a chemical that your body produces in response to an allergen. When histamine is released, it causes your blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to symptoms like itchy, watery eyes and nose. Antihistamines work by preventing histamine from binding to receptors in your body, which can help alleviate these symptoms.
There are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation. First-generation antihistamines can cause drowsiness and are generally less effective than second-generation antihistamines. Some common second-generation antihistamines include:
- Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- Fexofenadine (Allegra)
If you're looking for an over-the-counter antihistamine, these are all good options to consider.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are another effective way to relieve itchy, watery eyes and nose. These sprays work by reducing inflammation in your nasal passages, which can help alleviate symptoms like congestion and runny nose. There are several different types of nasal sprays available:
- Steroid nasal sprays (e.g. Flonase, Nasonex)
- Antihistamine nasal sprays (e.g. Astelin, Astepro)
- Decongestant nasal sprays (e.g. Afrin, Sudafed)
Steroid nasal sprays are generally the most effective type of nasal spray, but they require a prescription from your doctor. Antihistamine and decongestant nasal sprays are available over-the-counter, but they may not be as effective as steroid nasal sprays.
Eye Drops
If your itchy, watery eyes are the primary source of your allergy symptoms, eye drops can be a lifesaver. These drops work by reducing inflammation in your eyes and preventing histamine from binding to receptors in your eye tissue. There are several different types of eye drops available:
- Antihistamine eye drops (e.g. Alaway, Zaditor)
- Mast cell stabilizer eye drops (e.g. Patanol, Optivar)
- Steroid eye drops (e.g. Lotemax, Pred Forte)
Antihistamine eye drops are available over-the-counter and can be very effective at relieving itchy, watery eyes. Mast cell stabilizer eye drops can be more effective for people with severe allergies, but they require a prescription. Steroid eye drops are generally only used for short-term treatment of severe allergy symptoms.
Conclusion
If you suffer from itchy, watery eyes and nose due to allergies, there are a number of effective medicines available to help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops are all good options to consider, depending on the severity of your symptoms and the specific type of allergy you have. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to determine which medicine is right for you.
