The Advantages and Disadvantages of Continuous Use of Allergy Medications

Allergies are one of the major problems for most people in America. It reduces the quality of life and is a constant source of trouble in one’s daily life. This is because it impairs their efficiency and performance of everyday tasks.

Since 2017, around 75% of Americans have reportedly suffered from allergies and were on continuous medications to mitigate the symptoms.

Due to varying symptoms on different allergens triggering different bodily reactions, it might not be easy to choose suitable medication. Consumers might choose from some of the popular medications today, like antihistamines, corticosteroids, or decongestant drops and sprays.

Our body produces a chemical compound called histamine when it is exposed to environmental reactors. These reactors are called allergens and can cause symptoms like watery eyes, a runny nose, nasal congestion or sneezing, etc.

An increase in histamine levels sensitizes our respiratory and nasal tracts to such allergens, which may cause the allergy.

Many people take medications to reduce the effect and levels of histamine produced by the body. Often this intake is regularized instead of the occasional usage when symptoms flare up. Hence, most people might advise you, especially in lasting allergies, to take medications continuously.

But, does the continuous medication affect your health adversely, or is it worth the advice? The following advantages and disadvantages can help you choose better.

How Does Allergy Medications Help?

Allergy medications cannot be generalized in usage since the medications are taken based on the symptoms and the allergy effect.

1. For most people, the allergies last all year round, and therefore, continuous usage can help curb the symptoms. Allergies caused by pets, dandy, dust, or mites are examples in this regard.

2. Another significant benefit of allergy medicine is the help it hinders in performing daily activities. Occasional usage is sporadic, and therefore symptoms might flare up even at short notice. Continuous and prolonged use is beneficial in this regard.

3. The medications for allergy help in preventing both the immediate and delayed effects of the allergens. If you suffer from hayfever, sinusitis, eczema, or hives, these medicines can be of great help.

4. Most antihistamines are effective in controlling the symptoms of your allergy and are considered to be safe as well. It is important to note here that these antihistamines are directly responsible for lowering body’s histamine secretion. They are also responsible for calming down the highly sensitive nasal and respiratory tracts.

5. Immunotherapy or allergy shots help decrease the sensitivity to an allergy by utilizing body’s immune system. These are given in the form of injections, either once or twice a week, depending on the severity.

What Are Some Of The Concerns Of Long Time Usage?

Apart from the advantages, allergy medications come with some disadvantages too.

1. The primary concern in using these medications for a long time is the cost. As is the problem with the general pharmacology sector, prolonged usage means stacking up medications in advance. In most cases, this is an additional burden can it can significantly increase the cost of treatment.

2. Another major disadvantage of continuous usage is the tolerance level of the dosage. Eventually, the body mechanism gets accustomed to the medication, and that takes the edge off. Therefore, people who face these problems have to increase the dosage to control their allergies.

3. The increase in dosage is the main reason your existing medication will be emptied faster than you anticipated. Eventually, the burden comes back to the costs of keeping more medications for prolonged use. When your body develops a fair degree of tolerance, you will have to rely on some of the best sleep aids for a night of proper sleep.

4. The argument of enjoyment of daily activities and performance efficacies is flawed in cases where there is continuous usage. As soon as you begin the medications for sustained use, you will feel the side effects of the medication apart from the symptoms. Some of these medications are known to induce drowsiness, a dry throat, and headaches.

5. Though many people argue that they are using corticosteroids or decongestants instead of antihistamines, it does not protect them from the resulting side-effects. Most corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops are known to cause nosebleeds, nasal dryness, and irritation. The same is the case with decongestants as well.

6. These decongestants are known to significantly increase the heart rate and blood pressure, which is alarming with prior cardiac history. They are also known to cause nervousness, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Prolonged usage can also cause “rebound rhinitis” that worsens your nasal congestion and could trigger a decongestant dependence.

What Is The Solution?

Most patients who end up with continuous usage do so either on friendly advice or on their own volition. In none of these cases is the root cause of the allergy identified, leading to either wrong or temporarily effective results.

It is important to consult a physician or doctor to diagnose the issue and the reason behind the allergy. Treating allergies to self-medication can often be self-deprecating and lead to serious conditions.

An allergy must always be treated under professional supervision and the right diagnosis. This way, not only do you secure yourself from the allergens, but you also tend to remain healthier.

Whatever the case may be, doctors advise you to follow a prescribed regimen that might sustain for a specified period but not for prolonged usage.

Unless the nature of the allergy is such that it requires continuous protection, you should refrain from using it continuously. Once the body gets accustomed to a usual dosage every day, even when there is no symptom of the allergy, it might build up resistance to it.

Drug-resistant allergy, therefore, causes more severe issues for you. It might make an common allergy develop a chronic form and can end up being far more life-threatening than the allergy itself.

The Bottom Line

Whenever you feel that an allergy is causing you troubles, it is advisable to solicit expert medical counsel and understand the symptoms. Based on the prescribed time limit, you must consume the anti-allergen only when the symptoms flare-up.