Spring is a beautiful season, but for many people, it can be a time of discomfort due to seasonal allergies. Millions of Americans experience symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny nose, and scratchy throat every year. If you are one of them, you might be overwhelmed by the numerous over-the-counter (OTC) medications available to treat your symptoms. In this article, we'll guide you through the top OTC allergy medications recommended by Forbes Health Advisory Board members.
Dr. Cori Passer, a practicing allergist at Allergy and Asthma Care P.A. in Kansas, and Dr. Aaron Westreich, a pediatric and adult allergy and immunology physician at ENT Allergy and Associates in New York, shared their expert recommendations. The Forbes Health editorial team rated the products based on cost, user ratings, and the number of expert recommendations.
Antihistamines are a common OTC medication for allergy relief. Dr. Passer recommended Allegra, Claritin, and Zyrtec as effective options. These antihistamines are non-drowsy and provide relief for up to 24 hours. Dr. Westreich suggested Xyzal, a newer antihistamine that is also non-drowsy and provides relief for up to 24 hours.
Nasal sprays are another option for allergy relief. Dr. Passer recommended Flonase and Nasacort as effective nasal sprays for treating allergy symptoms. These nasal sprays are steroid-based and provide relief for congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Dr. Westreich suggested using Nasalcrom, a non-steroidal nasal spray that helps prevent allergy symptoms before they start.
For those with itchy or watery eyes, Dr. Passer recommended Zaditor or Alaway, both of which are antihistamine eye drops. These eye drops provide quick relief for itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies.
Finding the right OTC medication to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms can be overwhelming. Consider trying one of the expert-recommended options like Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, Flonase, Nasacort, Xyzal, Nasalcrom, Zaditor, or Alaway. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication to ensure it's safe for you to use. Don't let seasonal allergies disrupt your spring, try one of these effective OTC allergy medications and enjoy the beautiful weather.Seasonal Allergies: Top Over-the-Counter Medications to Relieve Symptoms