Often, one will experience an allergic reaction as soon as they come in contact with a substance they are allergic to. When the substance enters the body, it responds by producing antibodies and when the body is exposed to such allergens again, the body reacts by initiating a series of reactions such as watery eyes (sometimes accompanied with itching), sneezing, sinus and nasal congestion, scratchy throat, and/or runny nose with clear watery discharge. Some allergy triggers may include; pollen, dust, animal dander, and ragweed. Patients may suffer from allergies all year if the causes are from indoor allergens, while some patients may suffer from seasonal allergies during fall and spring.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a bacterial infection that affects the sinus cavities, normally followed by allergies or cold. Sometimes environmental pollutants also cause irritation. Unlike an allergy or a cold, you need antibiotics to treat sinusitis; therefore, you need to see a doctor.

The following signs and symptoms chart of allergies, cold, and sinusitis can help you differentiate between the conditions, and when to get over-the-counter medications or see a doctor.

Symptom management always yields best results when multiple approaches are used at the same time. These approaches may include taking allergy shots, reducing exposure to the allergen and use of antihistamine medications such as Claritin Allergy 10mg, Benadryl Elixir, etc. Nasal decongestant sprays such as Otrivin Cold & Allergy Measured Dose Pump 0.1%.  Otrivin Cold & Allergy 0.1%, and saline sprays such as Rhinaris Saline Nasal Spray can be used to rinse the sinuses.

Medications available

This group of medications (allergy and sinus) are available as tablets, capsules, nasal sprays, and syrups in various brands.

Decongestants

Decongestants is a group of medications that work by reducing the pressure in the sinuses, opening up the nostrils, and making it easy to breathe. Over-the-counter decongestants are available in the form of nasal drops and sprays, pills, inhalants, and liquids, and are often used in combination with other allergy medications. Examples include Claritin Allergic Congestion Relief Nasal Pump Spray, Claritin Allergy & Sinus 12 Hour, and Sinutab Sinus & Allergy Caplets.

Antihistamines

Once patients experience allergic reactions, the body reacts by releasing histamines, which lead to a runny nose, watery eyes, sinus, and itch. The use of antihistamines such as fexofenadine, levocetirizine, loratadine, and pheniramine can help reduce or alleviate these symptoms.

Prescription or over the counter?

Below is a list of some of the allergy and sinus medications that you obtain over the counter.

Side effects

Some of the side effects involved with the use of allergy and sinus medications may include:

• Drowsiness;
• Dry mouth;
• Feeling tired;
• Hyperactive or nervous feeling.

Contraindications

The use of any allergy and sinus medications is contraindicated in any patient who is hypersensitive to any of the active ingredients or any ingredients used in the formulation.