Allergic rhinitis
Review common hay fever triggers, nasal and eye symptoms, practical avoidance measures, and medication categories.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms and treatment
Allergy Treatment & Pharmacist Assessment
Explore pharmacist-reviewed information about allergic rhinitis, pink eye, hives, and insect bites. A MedBox pharmacist can assess eligible minor ailments, recommend treatment options, prescribe an approved medication when appropriate, or refer you for medical care.
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Allergy and eye symptom care
Compare common allergy-related conditions and choose the most relevant next step. A MedBox pharmacist can assess eligible minor ailments, recommend treatment, prescribe when appropriate, or refer.
Pink eye
Learn how bacterial, viral, and allergic conjunctivitis can differ, what treatments may help, and when pain or vision changes need urgent care.
Pink eye symptoms and treatmentHives
Understand common hive symptoms and triggers, self-care options, and when swelling or breathing symptoms require emergency care.
Insect bites
Review treatment options for itching and swelling and the warning signs of infection or a serious allergic reaction.
Complete clinical guide
Complete allergy treatment guide
Review the original MedBox information for allergic rhinitis, pink eye, hives and swelling, and insect bites.
Allergic Rhinitis
About Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, brings on symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes due to allergens like pollen or pet dander. Don't let the sniffles take over – understanding and managing allergic rhinitis can lead to a more comfortable day-to-day life.
What are the signs and symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?
- Frequent and repetitive sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose and sinus congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
Breaking Down The Triggers:
- Avoid allergens such as pollen, molds, dust mites and pet dander
- Keep windows closed
- Remove carpets and allergen-proof covers for mattresses and pillows
- Use air purifiers and dehumidifiers
- Avoid outdoor activities during pollen-rich seasons
- Clear allergens from nasal passageways using saline
How can I treat Allergic Rhinitis?
Alleviate allergic rhinitis by finding out what triggers you and eliminating the trigger.
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
Medication categories
Antihistamines
What it does:
Blocks the release of histamine, the chemical responsible for allergic symptoms.
Medications in this class:
Cetirizine, Loratadine, Desloratadine, Fexofenadine, Azelastine, Bilastine, Olopatadine, Rupatadine.
Pros:
- Effective in immediately relieving the symptoms.
- Comes in various forms such as tablets, oral liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays.
Cons:
- Oral formulations can cause drowsiness for some individuals.
- May not be covered by some insurance plans.
Decongestants
What it does:
Supports your immune system by stabilizing mast cells—key players in your body's defense. This helps prevent the release of histamine and other triggers responsible for allergy symptoms, keeping you feeling your best.
Medications in this class:
Sodium cromoglycate, Bepotastine, Ketotifen, Olopatadine, Lodoxamide.
Pros:
- Available as topical nasal sprays and eye drops.
- Typically well tolerated in most patients.
Cons:
- Can take up to several days to weeks to reach full effectiveness.
- Should be used regularly rather than on an as-needed basis in order to be effective.
Antiallergic Agents
What it does:
Supports your immune system by stabilizing mast cells—key players in your body's defense. This helps prevent the release of histamine and other triggers responsible for allergy symptoms, keeping you feeling your best.
Medications in this class:
Available without a prescription — Sodium Cromoglycate.
Medication requiring a prescription — Bepotastine, Ketotifen, Olopatadine, Lodoxamide.
Pros:
- Available as topical nasal sprays and eye drops.
- Typically well tolerated in most patients.
Cons:
- Can take up to several days to weeks to reach full effectiveness.
- Should be used regularly rather than on an as-needed basis in order to be effective.
Corticosteroids
What it does:
Eases nasal discomfort by calming inflammation caused by too many histamines. Breathe freely and comfortably with this relief.
Medications in this class:
Fluticasone and Mometasone, Beclomethasone, Budesonide, Ciclesonide, Triamcinolone.
Pros:
- Gets the job done by tackling inflammation, the culprit behind those lingering symptoms.
- Typically covered by insurance plans.
Cons:
- Can take up to several days to reach full effectiveness.
- Should be used regularly rather than on an as-needed basis in order to be effective.
Pink Eye
About Pink Eye
Unlock the Mystery of Pink Eye! If you've experienced redness, itchiness, and a sticky morning surprise, welcome to the pink eye crew. Let's explore the ins and outs of conjunctivitis – the unexpected wakeup call for your eyes.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pink Eye?
Discharge: One of the most telltale signs of bacterial infection is the presence of thick, yellow, or greenish discharge. This can often be so heavy that it seals your eyelids shut. Or it could be watery, and in this case it may be allergies or a viral infection
Redness: Your eyes will likely be a deeper shade of red, though, interestingly, not accompanied by significant itchiness.
Itching: Take notice of whether you have itchiness, scratching or burning sensation, a sensation of a foreign body in your eye or sensitivity to light.
Breaking Down The Triggers:
- Viral and Bacterial
- Allergic Reaction
- Chemical Irritation
- Skin and Other Conditions
How can I treat Pink Eye?
While pink eye can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, the good news is that it is highly treatable. Taking early action is crucial to prevent the spread of infection and minimize discomfort and prevent complications or recurrence.
- Apply warm compresses;
- Rinsing the eyes with sterile saline solution;
- Wash your hands often, don’t share towels and keep your hands away from your face;
- If you wear contact lenses, temporarily switch to eyeglasses until the pink eye is resolved;
- Replace any eye drop bottles you have been using, just in case they have been contaminated.
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
Medication categories
Eye Lubricants
What it does:
Helps eliminate allergens and can act as a barrier to pollen.
Medications in this class:
Eye washes and sterile saline drops.
Pros:
- Effective in removing the allergens from eyes.
- Can help with swelling and redness of the eye.
Cons:
- Some formulations can contain preservatives that further irritate the eye.
- Not usually covered by insurance plans.
Eye Decongestants
What it does:
Reduces redness and eyelid swelling by narrowing leaky blood vessels in the eye.
Medications in this class:
Naphazoline, Oxymetazoline, Tetrahydrozoline.
Pros:
- Quick short term relief.
- Effective for treating redness.
Cons:
- Long term use for more than a week can increase the redness in the eye.
- Must be avoided if you have high eye pressure (glaucoma).
- Consider avoiding if you have high blood pressure.
Antibacterials
What it does:
Antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointments help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection.
Medications in this class:
Polysporin, Tobramycin, Erythromycin, Fusidic acid.
Pros:
- Effective for severe or recurring pink eye.
- Can prevent infection from spreading to the other eye or close contacts.
Cons:
- In some cases, bacteria may be resistant to a specific antibiotic and cause med to not work effectively.
Antiallergic Agents
What it does:
Relieves itchy watery eyes. Prevents the release of histamine and other immune cells that cause allergy symptoms.
Medications in this class:
Emedastine, Lodoxamine, Sodium Cromoglycate, Olopatadine, Ketotifen.
Pros:
- Helps relieve discomfort and swelling.
Cons:
- May irritate the eye initially.
- Can take up to several days to weeks of regular use to reach full effectiveness.
Hives and Swelling
About Hives and Swelling
Hives and swelling can be uncomfortable skin reactions with various causes, from allergies to stress. Learn about the triggers and effective ways to manage these symptoms below.
What are the signs and symptoms of Hives and Swelling?
- Welts: Raised, itchy red welts of various sizes on the surface of the skin are a typical hallmark of hives.
- Swelling: In cases of angioedema, you may notice swelling beneath the skin, particularly around the eyes and lips.
- Itching and Burning: These welts are often very itchy and can have a burning sensation.
Breaking Down The Triggers:
- Allergic Reaction to Particles in your environment
- Medication or Food Reactions
- Stress or Emotional Factors
- Physical Triggers like Temperature
How can I treat Hives and Swelling?
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms
Consider these simple measures:
- If you are aware of them, avoid known triggers.
- Use cool compresses on affected areas.
- Maintain a diary to track possible triggers.
- Opt for loose, comfortable clothing to reduce irritation.
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
Medication categories
Antihistamines
What it does:
Antihistamines are your first go to for sustained relief because it targets the culprit histamines that are causing the reaction.
Medications in this class:
Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, Loratadine, Desloratadine Bilastine, and Rupatadine.
Pros:
- Effective in reducing symptoms of swelling, redness and itching. Tolerated well in most cases.
Cons:
- Can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Must be avoided with some medications that affect the heart, or in people with eye, brain, liver or kidney problems.
Topical Corticosteroids
What it does:
Topical corticosteroids may help to quickly relieve itchiness, pain, swelling and redness in mild to moderate local reactions.
Medications in this class:
LorDesonide, Hydrocortisone, Betamethasone, Triamcinolone, and Fluocinolone.
Pros:
- Reduces swelling, redness and itchiness. Can be soothing when applied.
Cons:
- Must be used sparingly.
- Can cause thinning of the skin and a myriad of side effects based on how much medicine gets absorbed into the bloodstream over long-term use.
Epinephrine
What it does:
Though not typically used for hives and skin swelling, epinephrine is used to prevent the allergy symptoms from progressing to angioedema. Angioedema is the swelling of the eyes, lips or mouth and it can quickly become an anaphylactic reaction which is a medical emergency.
Medications in this class:
EpiPen and Allerject
Pros:
- Should be carried as an emergency medication in case of reaction.
- Compact and easy to use.
Cons:
- Family, friends and close contact need to be aware of how to use it.
Insect Bites
About Insect Bites
Imagine you're enjoying a lovely outdoor activity when unexpectedly, you feel a sharp sting. Soon after, the bite area turns red, swells, and becomes itchy, typical signs of an insect bite.
These incidents are especially common in warmer months. Insect bites, whether from mosquitoes, bees, wasps, or ticks, vary in their effects. Often, they result in mild symptoms like slight itching and swelling, but occasionally, they can trigger severe allergic reactions or spread diseases.
What are the signs and symptoms of Insect Bites?
Redness and Swelling: The bite site can become red and swollen.
Itching: A persistent itchy sensation is common around the bite area.
Pain: Depending on the insect, bites can be painful or cause a stinging sensation.
Breaking Down The Triggers:
- Mosquitos
- Bees or Wasps
- Ticks or Fleas
How can I treat Insect Bites?
Most insect bites are harmless and can be treated at home. However, monitoring for signs of severe reactions or infections is important.
Consider these simple measures:
- Apply a cold pack to reduce swelling.
- Avoid scratching to help prevent infection.
- Keep the area clean to reduce the risk of infection.
- Use insect repellents to prevent bites
Discover relief with these medication choices designed to effectively alleviate your symptoms:
Medication categories
Oral Analgesics
What it does:
Pain relievers that can be used to dampen the sharp pain or ache felt due to skin inflammation.
Medications in this class:
Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Naproxen.
Pros:
- Quick relief of discomfort.
- Reduced swelling will quicken resolution.
Cons:
- Can cause a number of side effects such as headaches, stomach discomfort.
- Should be avoided if you have liver disease, or problems with your heart, kidneys or GI tract.
Antihistamines
What it does:
Antihistamines are your first go to for sustained relief because it targets the culprit histamines that are released when you have been bitten or stung.
Medications in this class:
Diphenhydramine, Cetirizine, Loratadine, Desloratadine Bilastine, Rupatadine.
Pros:
- Effective in reducing symptoms of itching, sneezing and runny nose.
- Tolerated well in most cases.
Cons:
- Can cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Must be avoided with some medications that affect the heart, or in people with eye, brain, liver or kidney problems.
Topical Agents
What it does:
Topical agents may help to quickly relieve itchiness, pain, swelling and redness in mild to moderate local reactions.
Medications in this class:
Hydrocortisone, Lidocaine, Benzocaine, Pramoxine, Camphor and Menthol, Calamine, Ammonia/baking soda.
Pros:
- Less side effects than medications taken by mouth.
- Immediate relief.
Cons:
- Relief may only be temporary.
- Should not be applied to open wounds or large areas or in cases of sensitivity.
The information here has been written and reviewed by a licensed pharmacist. This summary is a only a very brief synopsis of treatment options and does not address all complexities that may be involved in determining appropriate therapy. It is meant as a guide for you to explore your treatment preferences in advance of speaking with your health professional. Information here may be incomplete or not applicable to you. Other options may be available depending on the presentation of diagnosis of the illness. This is not meant to be interpreted as medical advice. Medical advice can only be given directly by your health care clinician. Contact us for more details.
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