Best Over The Counter Medicine For Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is a respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Allergic asthma is triggered by allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, or mold. The symptoms of allergic asthma include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. While there is no cure for allergic asthma, there are over-the-counter medicines available that can help manage the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the best over-the-counter medicine for allergic asthma.
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a type of medication that blocks histamine, a chemical released by the immune system in response to an allergen. Histamine causes inflammation and other symptoms of allergic reactions, including allergic asthma. Antihistamines help relieve symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. They are available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, and syrups. The most common antihistamines available over-the-counter are cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
2. Decongestants
Decongestants are a type of medication that helps relieve nasal congestion, which is a common symptom of allergic asthma. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion. Decongestants are available in different forms such as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, and liquids. The most common decongestants available over-the-counter are pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).
3. Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators are a type of medication that helps relax and widen the airways, making it easier to breathe. They are commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions, including allergic asthma. Bronchodilators are available in different forms such as inhalers, nebulizers, tablets, and liquids. The most common bronchodilators available over-the-counter are epinephrine (Primatene Mist) and albuterol (ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA).
4. Nasal Corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids are a type of medication that helps reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. They are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis, a condition that causes inflammation and other symptoms in the nose. Nasal corticosteroids are available in different forms such as sprays and liquids. The most common nasal corticosteroids available over-the-counter are fluticasone (Flonase) and triamcinolone (Nasacort).
5. Mast Cell Stabilizers
Mast cell stabilizers are a type of medication that helps prevent the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and other symptoms of allergic reactions. They are commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions, including allergic asthma. Mast cell stabilizers are available in different forms such as inhalers, nebulizers, and eye drops. The most common mast cell stabilizers available over-the-counter are cromolyn (NasalCrom) and nedocromil (Tilade).
Conclusion
If you have allergic asthma, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Over-the-counter medicines can be a helpful tool in managing the symptoms of allergic asthma. Antihistamines, decongestants, bronchodilators, nasal corticosteroids, and mast cell stabilizers are all available over-the-counter and can help relieve the symptoms of allergic asthma.