With an estimated 50 million Northern Americans affected by allergies notwithstanding the billions of people across the globe, it is not surprising that pharmaceutical companies have developed several allergy relief products that would help ease the problem and relieve symptoms.
Although there are over-the-counter allergy relief products available in drug stores that people can readily buy, it is still important that one consult with a doctor before buying any drug. Asking for the opinions of people with allergies may sometimes even backfire.
An allergy relief product that helped your friend may not help you at all. Choosing the right allergy relief product that is right for you can be pretty harrowing especially with the wide range of choices available in the market.
Let’s get to know some of the allergy relief products in the market, what they are and how exactly do they work in relieving allergic reactions. Although there are many kinds, the most common of these allergy relief products are antihistamines and decongestants. Some products even combine the two while others include a pain killing ingredient for extreme allergic reactions.
Antihistamines are substances that are ‘anti’ or against histamines, chemicals often released by allergens (allergy-causing substances). Histamines are the chemicals that cause tissues in the lining of the nose to swell and itch. It is also the culprit in altering the composition of the mucus that the nose secretes.
As an allergy relief product, an antihistamine blocks the histamine from interacting with the nasal tissues, thus preventing the unwanted symptoms from occurring. Common side effects of using this allergy relief product is the drowsiness, urinary retention, impaired coordination and judgment, upset stomach dry mouth, and loss of appetite.

Decongestants are allergy relief products that reduce the swelling brought about by the reaction of the nasal tissues with the allergens. Decongestants as the name suggests relieves the pressure in the nose and clears the nasal passage, allowing for easier breathing. Some are in the form of tablets and capsules while others are used as nose spray. Common side effects of using decongestants are lightheadedness, nervousness, wakefulness and restlessness including occasional jitters and shakiness, increased blood pressure and heart rate; and irregular heartbeat. When used for more than three to five days, nose sprays may also lead to what doctors call “rebound” congestion.
Another allergy relief product is the topical corticosteroids, which focuses on relieving the symptoms of people with allergic reactions in the skin. This allergy relief product is often in the form of cream and lotions that is spread on the affected areas to control the itching, swelling and redness in the skin. Other people even develop scaly red patches and rashes, hives and even blisters.
The Question about PPA
In buying allergy relief products, it is also important to examine the ingredient list for some components that have already been banned by the Federal Food and Drug Administration. One such component recently banned by the FDA is the Phenylpropanolamine or PPA, an ingredient used in the formulation of many cold and cough remedies that relieve congestion in the nose. PPA has been found in 2000 to increase the risk of women to stroke.
Although newly manufactured drugs no longer have PPA in their ingredients, it would not hurt to be vigilant. It is also a good idea to go through your medicine cabinet for other allergy relief products that may contain the banned ingredient.