Best Over The Counter Medicine For Hay Fever
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common condition that affects millions of people in the United States. It is caused by an allergic reaction to pollen, dust, or other airborne allergens. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. While there is no cure for hay fever, there are many over-the-counter medicines that can help to relieve the symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the best over-the-counter medicines for hay fever.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a common type of medicine used to treat hay fever. They work by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that is released by the body during an allergic reaction. There are two types of antihistamines: first-generation and second-generation.
First-generation antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), can cause drowsiness and should be taken at night. Second-generation antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are less likely to cause drowsiness and can be taken during the day.
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays are another type of medicine used to treat hay fever. They work by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, which can relieve symptoms such as congestion and runny nose. Nasal sprays can be divided into two types: saline sprays and steroid sprays.
Saline sprays, such as Ocean and Simply Saline, are made of a saltwater solution that can help to flush out allergens from the nasal passages. Steroid sprays, such as Flonase and Nasacort, contain a corticosteroid that can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. It is important to follow the instructions on the label when using nasal sprays.
Decongestants
Decongestants are another type of medicine used to treat hay fever. They work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, which can reduce congestion. Decongestants can be taken orally or applied as a nasal spray.
Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, and should not be taken by people with certain medical conditions. Nasal decongestants, such as Afrin and Neo-Synephrine, can also cause side effects if used for more than a few days.
Eye Drops
Eye drops are another type of medicine used to treat hay fever. They work by reducing inflammation in the eyes, which can relieve symptoms such as itching and redness. There are many types of eye drops available over the counter, including antihistamine eye drops and mast cell stabilizer eye drops.
Antihistamine eye drops, such as Alaway and Zaditor, work by blocking the effects of histamine in the eyes. Mast cell stabilizer eye drops, such as Opticrom and Alocril, work by preventing the release of histamine and other chemicals in the eyes.
Conclusion
Hay fever can be a frustrating condition to deal with, but there are many over-the-counter medicines that can help to relieve the symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, and eye drops are all effective at treating hay fever. It is important to choose the right medicine for your symptoms and to follow the instructions on the label. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.
