When the spring-summer season arrives, millions of people face allergies. Pollen, dust, pet dander, and various food products trigger allergic reactions in the body. What to do during an allergy attack is one of the most frequently searched questions during spring. In this article, we provide a detailed explanation of allergy types, symptoms, treatment methods, and the most effective allergy medications.
An allergy is the immune system’s overreaction to harmless substances (allergens). The body perceives substances such as pollen, dust, food, or medication as dangerous and releases histamine. This histamine causes allergy symptoms — sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, and shortness of breath.
Allergy types are very diverse: seasonal allergies (pollen), year-round allergies (dust, pet dander), food allergies, drug allergies, and contact allergies. Each type has different symptoms and treatment approaches.
Skin allergy is one of the most common forms of allergies. It manifests with red rashes, itching, swelling, and a burning sensation on the skin surface. Allergy rashes usually appear within minutes to hours after contact with the allergen. Skin itching is the most bothersome symptom and scratching can make the condition worse.
Urticaria (hives) is a special form of skin allergy. It involves the appearance of raised, red, and intensely itchy patches on the skin. Urticaria can last from a few minutes to several hours and can appear on various parts of the body. In severe cases, swelling of the airways may occur, which requires emergency medical attention.
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Allergic rhinitis is when this inflammation is caused by allergens. During spring and summer, millions of people suffer from allergic rhinitis due to pollen. Symptoms include continuous sneezing, clear nasal discharge, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and headaches.
Treatment for allergic rhinitis includes antihistamine tablets, nasal sprays, and eye drops. Nasal sprays for allergies are very effective in reducing nasal congestion and relieving inflammation. Corticosteroid nasal sprays are recommended for long-term use but should be used under medical supervision.
Natural treatment of allergic rhinitis is also possible: nasal rinsing with saline solution, using an air purifier at home, keeping windows closed during pollen season, and changing clothes and showering after coming home can help alleviate symptoms. However, natural methods do not replace medical advice.
When choosing the most effective allergy medication, it is important to consider the type and severity of the allergy. Antihistamine medications play a central role in allergy treatment. Antihistamines block the effect of histamine released in the body and reduce allergy symptoms. The most commonly used allergy medications include Suprastin, Cetirizine, and Loratadine.
Suprastin (chlorpyramine) is a first-generation antihistamine that provides rapid relief in allergic reactions. It is used for skin allergies, urticaria, allergic rhinitis, itchy eyes, and food allergies. For adults, the usual dosage is 1 tablet 2–3 times daily with meals. Suprastin is available in 25 mg tablet form.
Suprastin in ampoule form is used for severe allergic reactions, especially anaphylaxis and severe urticaria, administered as intramuscular or intravenous injection. Ampoules should only be administered by medical professionals. The main side effect of Suprastin is drowsiness, so it is not recommended for drivers.
Cetirizine is a second-generation antihistamine that, unlike Suprastin, does not cause drowsiness or causes minimal drowsiness. It is a daily antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis, urticaria, skin itching, and eye allergies. The usual dose is 10 mg once daily. Its effect begins within 20–30 minutes and lasts 24 hours. An ideal choice for those who want to manage allergy symptoms without limiting their daily life.
Loratadine is also a second-generation antihistamine suitable for long-term use. It is a non-drowsy antihistamine used for allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies, and chronic urticaria. The dose is 10 mg once daily. Compared to cetirizine, loratadine acts slightly slower but has fewer side effects. Suitable for daily use by those suffering from seasonal allergies.
Allergy medications are not limited to tablets alone. Allergy ointments are widely used for topical treatment of skin allergies. Ointments containing hydrocortisone or antihistamines quickly reduce itching and redness. The best allergy medication choice depends on the type of allergy: for skin allergies, ointment + tablet; for rhinitis, nasal spray + tablet; for eye allergies, eye drops + tablet combination gives the most effective results.
In addition to antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and immunotherapy are also available among anti-allergy medications. In severe allergies, drug combinations may be applied under medical supervision.
Allergies in children are more common than in adults and tend to be more sensitive. Symptoms of allergies in children include skin rashes, itching, runny nose, sneezing, and digestive problems. Allergy rashes in children are especially visible on the cheeks, arms, and legs, accompanied by intense itching.
What to do when a child has an allergy — first, stop contact with the allergen. Give an age-appropriate antihistamine medication. Allergy medication for children includes cetirizine syrup (after 6 months), loratadine syrup (after 2 years), or other medications prescribed by the doctor. If the allergy is severe, with difficulty breathing or swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
Food allergy is the body’s allergic reaction to certain food products. The most common food allergens are milk, eggs, nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, and seafood. Symptoms can range from skin rashes to digestive problems and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
What not to eat during allergies — first, identify and completely eliminate the allergy-causing food. Additionally, during allergy episodes, it is recommended to avoid foods that increase histamine levels (chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, canned goods, fermented products). What to eat during allergies — foods with low allergenic potential are recommended: rice, buckwheat, squash, apples, pears, chicken, and olive oil.
Allergy tests are essential for accurately identifying the allergen. Blood allergy testing (IgE test) measures the level of allergy antibodies in the blood. A high IgE level indicates the presence of an allergic reaction. Skin prick testing is also performed — a small dose of allergen is applied to the skin and the reaction is observed. These tests are conducted by an allergist and are very important for refining the treatment plan.
Knowing allergy first aid rules is everyone’s responsibility. First aid during allergies: immediately stop contact with the allergen, give an antihistamine medication (Suprastin, cetirizine), apply a cool compress if there is a skin rash. If there is shortness of breath, swelling of the face and throat, dizziness, or loss of consciousness, immediately call emergency services — this could be anaphylactic shock.
If allergies recur frequently, be sure to consult an allergist. Once the allergen is identified, immunotherapy (allergy vaccination) can be a long-term solution.
Allergies during pregnancy require special attention, as many allergy medications are not recommended for pregnant women. During the first trimester, non-medication methods should be prioritized — avoiding contact with allergens, nasal rinsing, using air purifiers. When medication is needed, take it only as prescribed by a doctor — loratadine is considered relatively safe during pregnancy, but consult your obstetrician-gynecologist for specific advice.
What is the most effective allergy medication?
For rapid relief, Suprastin; for daily use, Cetirizine or Loratadine. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe corticosteroids or epinephrine.
What is Suprastin used for and how is it taken?
Used for skin allergies, urticaria, rhinitis, and food allergies. Adults take 1 tablet 2–3 times daily. It causes drowsiness, so taking it at night is more appropriate.
How is allergic rhinitis treated?
The antihistamine tablet + nasal spray combination is most effective. Corticosteroid nasal sprays for long-term use, and nasal rinsing with saline for natural support.
What should you not eat during allergies?
Avoid chocolate, citrus, tomatoes, canned goods, fermented products, and the allergenic food itself. Rice, buckwheat, squash, apples, and chicken are recommended.
What allergy medication should be given to children?
Cetirizine syrup can be used after 6 months, loratadine syrup after 2 years. Consult a pediatrician for the exact dose and medication choice.
What does a blood allergy test show?
It measures the level of IgE antibodies in the blood. High IgE indicates the presence of an allergic reaction. Combined with skin prick testing, it helps establish an accurate diagnosis.
Which allergy medication can be taken during pregnancy?
Loratadine is considered relatively safe, but always take it only with medical advice. Prioritize non-medication methods during the first trimester.
Which is better: cetirizine or loratadine?
Cetirizine acts faster, while loratadine has fewer side effects. Both are taken once daily. The choice depends on individual characteristics.
Allergies are a serious health problem affecting the quality of life of millions of people. Skin allergies, allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and urticaria — all these forms can be managed with proper treatment. The most important things are to know your allergens, get allergy testing done, and choose the right medication with your doctor’s advice.
Suprastin for rapid relief, cetirizine and loratadine for daily management, nasal sprays and ointments for topical treatment — with the right combination, you can minimize allergy symptoms. Don’t ignore allergies — seek help in time and enjoy a healthy spring-summer season!
EN − AZN
