Seasonal allergies may cause symptoms like runny nose, excessive cough, cold, fever, and itching of the eye and nose areas. With the help of seasonal allergy medication, you can get relief from these symptoms.

It has been reported that one out of every 5 people in the United States suffers from a condition called seasonal allergic rhinitis, also termed as hay fever. Hay fever occurs when the patient is exposed to outdoor allergens like pollen. These allergens cause the immune system to overreact and result in various seasonal allergy symptoms. Diagnosis of hay fever is easy as compared to other allergies since it is only present during a certain time of the year.

However, there are many more seasonal allergies that are not quite as common as hay fever.  In order to treat the patient with seasonal allergy medication, it is important to know what exactly is causing the allergy by examining the triggers. Changes in the climate can also influence the severity of the seasonal allergy symptoms. The following are a few seasonal allergy medications that are recommended in order to treat these symptoms before they worsen.

• Nasal Steroids

This is a seasonal allergy medication that helps in reducing the inflammation of the nose that is caused by certain types of allergens. Nasal steroids are used in the initial stages of allergic rhinitis or hay fever allergies. This kind of seasonal allergy medication has significant effects on the patient as they not only work on the nasal passage but also on the macro-passages, leukotrienes, mast cells, and the like in order to ensure that the inflammation of the nose is under control.

• Antihistamines

The drugs that inhibit the effects of histamine are used as a seasonal allergy medication, and are known as antihistamines. Histamine is a substance that is secreted by the basophils when the immune system reacts adversely to an allergen. Earlier side effects of this type of seasonal allergy medication involved feeling of drowsiness and sleepiness. However, the new drugs have eliminated this side effect to a large extent.

• Decongestants

The fluids in the lining of the nose are reduced with the help of decongestants. This is a seasonal allergy medication that relieves nasal congestion, swelling, and discomfort in the sinus that is caused due to various infections or allergens that trigger seasonal allergy symptoms. This seasonal allergy medication is also made available in the form of nasal sprays such as phenylephrine and oxymetazoline.

• Cromolyn Sodium

A nasal spray called cromolyn sodium blocks the release of histamine. A seasonal allergy medication, this spray is also used to prevent the onset of an asthma attack among patients.  This type of seasonal allergy medication is recommended for use for a limited period of time as prescribed by the doctor. Excessive use of cromolyn sodium may worsen the condition of the patient.

• Allergy Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a seasonal allergy medication technique that provides relief to patients who fail to get relief with the use of nasal steroids or antihistamines. Immunotherapy or allergy shots decrease the body’s sensitivity to allergens. Allergy immunotherapy works in the form of a vaccine.  This process works by injecting certain weakened allergens into the body which forces the immune system to fight against the foreign invaders and strengthen itself in the process. The number of shots and the number of sessions required depends on how much you need to improve immunity and tolerance against the allergen.

The best way to get rid of any allergies apart from having seasonal allergy medication is to stay away from the alarming allergens, such as specific foods, pollen grain, mold, excessive exposure to pollution, etc. It is essential to maintain a clean environment and a balanced diet in order to develop a better immune system that will be strong enough to fight against any kinds or allergens or infections in the body. Seasonal allergies may not sound like a severe illness. However, the truth is that they can greatly reduce your ability to participate in your day-to-day life. Stay away from the constant vagaries of a runny nose and wheezing by knowing your triggers and keeping the right seasonal allergy medication at hand.