Allergies and Antihistamine Treatment

Millions of people have it or have most likely experienced its symptoms at one point of their lives. Runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing are just some of the most common symptoms of an allergy attack.

Other more serious symptoms may include the sudden appearance of hives, dizzy spells, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Some even experience behavioral changes as a reaction to an allergy attack. Allergies should not be taken lightly. There are instances when an allergy attack triggers severe reactions, which can ultimately lead to death.

The symptoms of an allergy attack can sometimes be very hard to differentiate from those of other ailments. Its symptoms can be erroneously diagnosed as those from the common cold or a food intolerance, to name a few. For these reasons, most doctors advocate that allergies be properly diagnosed by an experienced allergist to avoid taking in the wrong medication. Don't even try to self-medicate since it is known to cause more harm than good.

You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain in going to the doctor, so why wouldn't you? Not only will you get the correct diagnosis for your ailment but you will also be prescribed with the appropriate medications to ease and eliminate the discomforting symptoms as well.

Mild Allergies and Antihistamines

Taking antihistamines can be an economical and effective means to relieve the symptoms of the allergy attack and end your woes.

For most mild allergies such as hay fever or an allergy to animal hair, the symptoms can be successfully controlled by taking non-prescription (over-the-counter) antihistamines. But as diligent consumers, it is best to secure your doctor's approval and/or recommendation before taking the medication (or any other medication) to avoid the possibility of any medical complications.

However, it is sad to note that most people misunderstand the actions of these medications and think of them as an instant solution or a quick fix from allergy attacks. They think that once the symptoms start showing, they can just pop a pill and the symptoms will be gone in a moment! Antihistamines, unfortunately, do not work that way.

Antihistamines are most effective when taken well before the onset of the allergy season. For example, a person suffering from hay fever may benefit greatly from the medication when taken at least a week or two before the allergy season begins.

In choosing the appropriate antihistamine for this kind of allergies, look for one with chlorpheniramine maleate as its main active ingredient. Chlorpheniramine maleate has the benefit of being certified as the oldest and safest allergy drugs ever to hit the market. It can effectively control classical hay fever symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing.

Antihistamine Regimen to Prevent Allergy Attacks

Doctors agree that allergy attacks can be prevented by adopting an antihistamine regimen before the onset of the allergy season. Prevent those discomforting allergy attacks by following the steps outlined below.

. Start off your routine by taking at least one-fourth of the recommended dosage as indicated in the package labels. Since antihistamines can cause drowsiness, it is advisable to start taking the medication in the evenings.

. Gradually increase the dosage as you begin to tolerate the effects of the medication. This will eventually come at approximately a week or two after you started your routine. By then, you can up the dosage by taking in two 12 milligram doses of antihistamine daily (one in the morning and another one during the evening). Studies show that significant relief from allergy symptoms can be achieved by taking this much dosage of antihistamine.

By following these recommendations, you can say goodbye to your allergy attacks forever!