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There are currently a variety of allergy treatment medications available to help alleviate the misery allergies can bring. The coughing, sneezing, runny eyes and itchy nose associated with allergies can make life hard to deal with.

Allergy relief can come in the form of allergy shots, prescription medications or over-the-counter treatments. Your doctor can suggest the treatment that will be best for your individual condition.

One form of allergy relief comes in the form of a series of allergy shots. In order to receive allergy shots, your doctor will take tests to determine which allergens you are allergic to. An allergen is basically a substance, such as pollen, ragweed or cat dander, that produces an allergic reaction. The shots you will be given will contain a small amount of this allergen.

The idea is that if the body is exposed to a small bit of this allergen over an extended period of time, the body will begin to produce an antibody for the allergen. After a period of six months, you should start to see some relief from your allergies.

Before you start allergy shots, however, talk to your doctor about your entire medical history. Certain health conditions you have or medicines you take may prevent you from being a candidate for allergy shots.

Allergy relief is also available in the form of both over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications. Most allergy medicines will contain one of two different classes of ingredients. One of these ingredients is a class of drugs called antihistamines.

Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, help to stop the chemical reaction in your body that result in an allergic reaction. Decongestants, such as pseudoephidrine, on the other hand, will help to relieve nasal and sinus congestion caused by allergies. Allergy medicines may also contain ingredients to help thin mucus, lower fever or ease aches and pains if you experience these symptoms also.

If you choose to see your doctor for you allergies, he might order a prescription allergy medicine for you. Prescription allergy medications are available in tablets, capsules, liquids and even eye drops. Non-sedating antihistamines are available only by prescription.

Generally prescription allergy medications are longer acting than those you can get without a prescription. These treatments also don't impair learning abilities. This is especially important for children who suffer with allergies.

There are also a variety of allergy treatments available over-the-counter if you want to treat your allergies on your own. You can purchase these medicines without a doctor's prescription; however, you might want to consult with your pharmacist about your particular symptoms to be sure you are choosing the best one for you.

Many forms of allergy relief that once required a doctor's order, such as Claritin and Nasalcrom, are now available without a prescription. While these two medicines generally don't cause drowsiness, most other over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, will possibly make you sleepy. If you do decide to take these medicines, pay attention to the effect they have on you. You might not want to drive if you notice yourself becoming very sleepy.

Whatever extent your allergies bring misery there is allergy relief available. See your doctor to find out if your case could be helped with allergy shots or if your best bet is prescription or even over-the-counter treatments.