Medication options include the following:

• Short-acting antihistamines, which are generally non-prescription, often relieve mild to moderate symptoms but can cause drowsiness. In addition, these antihistamines can blunt learning in children (even in the absence of drowsiness). An example is diphenhydramine (Benedryl).
• Longer-acting antihistamines cause less drowsiness and can be equally effective, and usually do not interfere with learning. These medications, which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and loratadine (Claritin).
• For people with symptoms not relieved by antihistamines alone, nasal corticosteroid sprays are very effective and safe. These prescription medications include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ).
• Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used for long periods.
• Cromolyn sodium is available as a nasal spray (Nasalcrom) for treating hay fever. Eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchybloodshot eyes.

The most appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma, hay fever, and eczema) may require other treatments.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) is occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. It includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may help the body adjust to the antigen.

Prognosis

Most allergies are readily treated. However, treatment only affects that exposure, so subsequent exposures will cause another allergic reaction.

Rarely, people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance has provoked an allergic reaction it continues to affect the person.

Desensitization may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It often requires years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.

Complications

• discomfort during the allergic reaction
• disruption of lifestyle (rare)
• drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
• side effects of other medications (See the specific medication.)
• anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if severe symptoms of hay fever occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment.

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