The season of allergies is in full swing! You're not alone if springtime flowers make you sneeze, sniffle, or scratch. One of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world is allergies. Chances are, if you've ever experienced those bothersome symptoms, you've taken an antihistamine to get some relief. Are you one of the millions taking antihistamines daily? Let American Sinus Institute fix the issue.

What are antihistamines?

Histamine is a chemical produced by your immune system in response to common allergens like mold, dust, pollen, ragweed, pet dander, insect bites/stings, latex, or certain foods. Antihistamines are a class of medications that typically work by blocking the effects of histamine. Some inconvenient symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes, skin, or throat can be caused by an excessive release of antihistamines. Shortness of breath and swelling are two symptoms of severe allergic reactions. 

In contrast to seasonal allergies, which are typically only present in the spring, summer, and early fall, Perennial allergies can happen all year round. If avoiding exposure to your allergy trigger is not possible, you can manage your daily symptoms by taking over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription antihistamines.

Is it safe to take an antihistamine daily?

Daily antihistamine use is safe, but it can quickly turn dangerous. When taking your daily medication, you might accidentally mix it with another drug, either because you forgot to take it or because you were unaware of the potential side effects. Additionally, as you take the medication, your body may develop an immunity to it, causing it to perform poorly or requiring you to take additional antihistamines.

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Side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Gaining weight 
• Faster heart rate
• Vision changes, such as blurry vision
• A diminished appetite
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Feeling anxious, ecstatic, or agitated

What other treatments can I try for allergies?

There are alternatives to antihistamines if you are worried about their side effects or drug interactions.

Nasal Sprays for allergies are a viable medical option. Daily use of nasal corticosteroids is safe and does not result in the same systemic side effects or interactions as daily use of pills.

Decongestants with pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine as their active ingredients, such as Sudafed or Sudafed PE, relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure brought on by the common cold, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.

Eye Drops can help itching, redness, and swelling of the eyes containing antihistamines.

Allergy Shots can be a long-term treatment that gradually reduces your sensitivity to allergens. You can develop a tolerance to the allergens by gradually exposing your body to those that make you feel unwell. Immunotherapy is safe for both kids and adults, but it may take up to 18 months of treatment before symptoms start to get better.

Balloon Sinusplaty a minimally invasive procedure used to open and widen sinus passages in patients with chronic and recurrent sinus infections. The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as facial pain, pressure, headaches, and allergies, have been shown to be improved by widening the sinus passages. 

Medication may occasionally help to relieve a deviated septum. However, if medication alone is unable to provide relief, surgery will be required to improve breathing. American Sinus Institute specializes in balloon sinuplasty, serving patients in San Antonio and across Texas. Contact our board-certified physicians in Otolaryngology to find out how balloon sinuplasty can help relieve your sinus problems and deviated septum.