Allergy Relief

Monday, September 25, 2006

September 22, 2006 -- It's that time of year. Allergies are acting up, but which drug is best? More than 50-million Americans have allergies. Sufferers endure a lot of itching, sneezing and congestion while trying to find the right medication.

"It's very, very confusing because there are so many over-the-counter products out there," allergist Jane El-Dahr, M.D., of Tulane University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, tells Ivanhoe.

She says you need an antihistamine for runny noses, watery eyes, sneezing and itchiness. "All these medications really work better if you can take them before your allergies really start to get bad."

Go for ones that contain loratadine (Claritin, Alavert). They won't make you drowsy so you can take them long-term. El-Dahr says they'll reduce allergy symptoms by up to 80 percent.

For stuffiness, grab a decongestant. "They just make it so you can breathe better," Dr. El-Dahr says. She cautions, however, that decongestants can affect your blood pressure and shouldn't be taken on a long-term basis.

Nasal sprays reduce stuffiness too, but be careful. Dr. El-Dahr says if you use them for longer than two or three days, you actually make the problem worse than it was before. But prescription nasal sprays can be used for longer than three days.

And when it comes to brand names or generics, Dr. El-Dahr says, "My strong suspicion is that they are all similar enough that whatever is on sale that week is probably a reasonable thing to try." At least your pocketbook doesn't have to suffer this allergy season.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Madeline Vann, Public Relations
Tulane University Health Sciences Center
(504) 247-1425
mvann@tulane.edu

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