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Struggling with allergies? Our allergy medicine specialists can help diagnose allergens and provide you with tailored treatment options. Book online today.
Exposure to this substance, known as an allergen, causes your immune system to release a chemical called histamine which triggers allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, a rash, or wheezing. Allergies can affect anyone of any age and can be mild and a nuisance or severe and life-threatening. Allergies are commonly treated with medication.
Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private allergy treatment with a consultant of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page looks at some common allergy medications, how they work, how to take them and some of the possible side effects.
There are many different types of allergies including:
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that needs immediate treatment. Symptoms can come on very quickly after exposure to an allergen such as food, medication, or an insect sting.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
If you have had anaphylaxis before, you will have been given an adrenaline auto-injector. Use the auto-injector as soon as you can and call 999 for an ambulance. If this is your first anaphylactic reaction call an ambulance or get to your nearest A&E department as soon as possible.
Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you are taking. They will perform a physical examination and ask you some questions about:
Your consultant may refer you for allergy testing to confirm what you are allergic to and how severe your allergy is.
Your consultant will make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and test results.
At Circle Health Group, your first appointment is very important as it’s where you first meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will spend time getting to know you, asking about your symptoms, and ordering tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Your first appointment is also an opportunity for you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your diagnosis and treatment.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will discuss possible treatment options, and decide on the best option for you based on your diagnosis, general health, lifestyle, and expectations for treatment.
Antihistamines work by blocking the effects of histamine, the chemical your body releases when you experience an allergic reaction. They are not a cure for allergies but can help to relieve allergy symptoms when you take them.
There are two main types of antihistamines, older antihistamines, known as first-generation antihistamines or drowsy antihistamines make you feel sleepy or drowsy after taking them. More recent second-generation antihistamines, or non-drowsy antihistamines are less likely to make you feel sleepy.
Some common first-generation antihistamines include:
Some common second-generation antihistamines include:
Many antihistamines can be bought over the counter, but you will need a prescription for stronger ones. Antihistamines are available as tablets, nasal sprays, capsules, liquids, eye drops, topical gels, and lotions.
Most antihistamines start working within half an hour of taking them and are at their most effective after between one and two hours. Some antihistamines are short-acting and last for around four to six hours, while longer-lasting varieties can relieve allergy symptoms for twelve or even twenty-four hours. Check with your consultant or pharmacist how often you need to take your antihistamine and read the patient information leaflet carefully before starting your medication.
Your consultant will tell you how to take your antihistamines correctly. You may be advised to take your medication before coming into contact with your allergy trigger to prevent symptoms from starting, or once symptoms have started to provide relief. If you have a condition such as hay fever, where you are likely to be exposed to your allergy trigger every day, your consultant may advise you to take antihistamines regularly as a preventative treatment.
Your consultant will recommend or prescribe an antihistamine depending on your symptoms, the type of allergy you have, and your lifestyle. You may need to try a few different antihistamines before finding one that works best for you. Second-generation (non-drowsy) antihistamines are normally preferable as they usually allow you to carry on with day-to-day activities such as working and driving. If your allergy is making it difficult for you to sleep, your consultant may recommend an antihistamine that makes you drowsy to help you fall asleep.
Decongestants are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief from nasal congestion (a blocked or stuffy nose). They can help with allergies like hay fever where nasal congestion is a symptom. Decongestants work by reducing swelling in the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open your airways and relieve congestion. Most decongestants are available over the counter as tablets, nasal sprays, drops, liquids, or dissolvable powders. They may be sold alone or in a combined tablet that also contains a painkiller and/or an antihistamine.
Some common decongestants include:
How long your decongestant takes to work depends on the type and form of the decongestant you are taking. Nasal drops and sprays usually work very quickly after use. Pseudoephedrine normally starts to work after around 15 minutes, and you should start to feel better after between 30 and 60 minutes.
Take decongestants when you have symptoms of nasal congestion. How often you need to take them depends on your symptoms and the type of decongestant you are using. Most decongestants can be taken one to four times a day. Check with your consultant how often you can take your decongestant. Some decongestants such as pseudoephedrine have a stimulant effect and may keep you awake, so it may be best to avoid taking them before bed. Decongestant nasal sprays are less likely to have this effect.
There are a range of decongestants available over the counter from pharmacies. You may need to try a few before finding one that works best for you. Which decongestant is most suitable for you depends on your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and preference. If you are buying a decongestant over the counter, your pharmacist can recommend one. Your consultant may prescribe or recommend a decongestant that is best suited to your needs.
Corticosteroids, commonly known as steroids, are a type of medication that reduces inflammation in the body. They can be used to treat several allergic conditions including atopic asthma, hay fever, severe urticaria (hives), and eczema. Steroids come in several forms including tablets, nasal sprays, preventer inhalers, injections, and creams. Most steroids are only available with a prescription, but some steroid creams and nasal sprays can be bought over the counter.
Some common corticosteroids include:
How long your medication takes to work depends on the type and form of the corticosteroid you are taking.
Corticosteroids may be prescribed for long or short-term use. How and when you need to take them depends on the type of corticosteroid you are using and the condition you are taking them for. Always take your medication exactly as your consultant tells you and ask your consultant or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Your consultant will prescribe the most suitable corticosteroid for you depending on your symptoms, diagnosis, and medical history. For over-the-counter steroid creams or nasal sprays, your pharmacist can help recommend one.
If you experience unpleasant side effects, or if your side effects are getting worse or not going away, call your consultant for advice.
Possible side effects of antihistamines include:
Antihistamines are safe for most people, but may not be recommended for people with certain conditions including:
Tell your consultant about any underlying health issues you have before taking antihistamines.
Some types of antihistamines such as loratadine are considered safe to take during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. Tell your consultant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking antihistamines.
Some medications and foods can interact with antihistamines which can change the way they work. Tell your consultant about any other medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking before taking antihistamines.
Some foods and medications that can interact with antihistamines include:
Most people don’t experience side effects from decongestants and any side effects are usually mild and stop once you stop taking the medication.
Decongestants are not usually recommended for more than seven days. The risk of side effects is higher if you take them for longer than this.
Some possible side effects of decongestants include:
Most people can take decongestants safely, but they may not be suitable for everyone. Tell your consultant about any medical conditions or allergies you have before taking decongestants. Decongestants should not be taken by:
Decongestants may not be suitable for you if you have:
Talk to your consultant if you have any of these conditions before taking decongestants.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your consultant before taking decongestants.
Some medications may change the way decongestants work which can increase or reduce the effect of your other medicines or cause dangerous side effects. Tell your consultant about any medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements before taking decongestants. Some all-in-one medications that contain a decongestant may contain other drugs like painkillers or antihistamines, so make sure you know what’s in your medication and be careful not to take too much without realising.
Don’t take decongestants if you take a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Taking these medications at the same time can cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure.
It's not clear whether decongestants are safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Only use decongestants if they are prescribed or recommended by your consultant and tell them you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting your medication.
Corticosteroids can cause side effects, particularly when taken for a long period of time. Some of these side effects can be serious. Potential side effects of corticosteroids vary depending on the type of medication you are taking, but may include:
Corticosteroids can interact with certain foods or medications which can change the way they work. Tell your consultant about any medications including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking. Some corticosteroids should not be taken with food as interactions may occur. Drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco can also interact with corticosteroids. Talk to your consultant about food, alcohol, and tobacco consumption before starting your medication.
Some medications that can interact with corticosteroids include:
Corticosteroids may not be suitable for everyone. Tell your consultant about any medical conditions and allergies you have before taking corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids may not be suitable for you if you have:
Some corticosteroids, such as prednisolone are considered safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Tell your consultant if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking corticosteroids.
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about allergy treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.
Antihistamines NHS
Allergy medications: Know your options Mayo Clinic
Allergies NHS
Allergen Immunotherapy: Current and Future Trends PubMed
Types of Allergies Allergy UK