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Allergen: A substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
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Allergic Rhinitis: An allergy affecting the mucus membrane of the nose. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often called "hay fever."
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Allergist: A doctor that diagnoses, treats, and manages allergy-related conditions.
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Ana-Kit: A device used to inject epinephrine during an anaphylaxis attack.
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Anaphylaxis: A life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the entire body. Anaphylaxis may result in shock or death, and thus requires immediate medical attention
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Animal dander: The small scales or pieces of skin, often containing proteins secreted by oil glands, which are shed by an animal. These proteins are the major causes of allergies to pets.
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Antibiotics: A class of medications used to treat bacterial infections. Certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
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Antibody: A protein in the immune system that recognizes and attacks foreign substances in the body.
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Anticonvulsant: A medication used to prevent or treat seizures. Certain anticonvulsants may cause an allergic reaction in some people.
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Antihistamines: A class of medications used to block the action of histamines in the body and prevent the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
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Asthma: An inflammatory disorder of the airways, causing periodic attacks of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
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Atopic dermatitis: A chronic skin rash, also known as "eczema," that often appears in the first few years of life.
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Basophil: An immune system cell that attaches to antibodies and circulates through out the blood.
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Beta-blockers: A class of blood pressure medications that ease the heart's pumping action and widen the blood vessels. Beta-blockers counteract the effects of epinephrine used for emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock and should not be used during immunotherapy.
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Bronchial tubes: The lower sections of the airway that lead into the lungs.
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Challenge test: A test used to confirm an allergy to specific substance. A doctor will administer small but increasing amounts of a suspected allergen until an allergic response is noticed. Due to the risk of anaphylaxis, this should only be performed under a controlled setting.
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Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, or the mucous membrane surrounding the eye. Also known as pinkeye.
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Corticosteroid: An anti-inflammatory medication used to treat the itching and swelling associated with some allergic reactions.
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Cromolym sodium: An anti-inflammatory nasal spray used to treat and sometimes prevent allergic rhinitis.
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Decongestants: A class of medications used for nasal congestion. Decongestants are available in oral doses, nasal sprays, or eye drops (for conjunctivitis).
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Dust mites: A microscopic organism that lives in dust.
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Eczema: See Atopic dermatitis.
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Eosinophil: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
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Epinepherine: A medication used for immediate treatment of anaphylaxis by raising blood pressure and heart rate back to normal levels. Epinepherine is also known as adrenaline.
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EpiPen: A device used to inject epinephrine during an anaphylaxis attack.
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Heparin: A chemical released by basophils and mast cells that causes nearby tissues to become swollen and inflamed.
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Histamine: A chemical released by basophils and mast cells that causes nearby tissues to become swollen and inflamed.
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Hives: See urticaria.
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Hypertension: High blood pressure. When blood pushes against artery walls harder than normal.
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Immunoglobulin E: A type of antibody responsible for most allergic reactions.
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Immunotherapy: A series of shots that help build up the immune system's tolerance to an allergen.
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Insulin: A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetics who take insulin derived from animals may have allergic reactions.
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Intradermal test: A test where an allergen is injected just underneath the skin. Intradermal tests are generally used when results from a skin prick test are unclear.
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Late Phase: The period 4 - 24 hours after exposure to an allergen where tissue damage may occur.
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Leukotrienes: Inflammatory substances that are released by mast cells during an allergic response or asthma attack.
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Lymphocyte: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
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Mast cell: An immune system cell which attaches to antibodies and is located in the tissue that lines the nose, bronchial tubes, gastrointestinal tract, and the skin
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Neocromil sodium: An inhaled medication used to treat inflammation involved with asthma.
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Neutrophil: A specific type of immune cell that can cause tissue damage in the late phase of an allergic reaction.
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Radioallergosorbant Test (RAST): A blood test that measures the amount of IgE antibody produced when the sample is mixed with a specific allergen.
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Rhinitis: An inflammation of the nasal passageways, particularly with discharge.
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Sinusitis: An inflammation or infection of one or more sinuses. The sinuses are hollow air spaces located around the nose and eyes.
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Skin prick test: A test where a needle is used to scratch the skin with a small amount of allergen. A response can usually be seen within 15 - 20 minutes.
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Urticaria: Raised areas of the skin that are often red, warm, and itchy. Urticaria is also known as hives.
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Urushiol: An oil found on poison ivy, oak, and sumac.
When you browse the over-the-counter (OTC) medicine aisle of a drug store
or supermarket, you may be overwhelmed at the variety of products used to treat
similar conditions. What are the main ingredients you need? Do you need a combination
product? Why do two products used for different conditions contain the exact
same ingredients?
To select OTC products as an informed consumer, use the chart below to match
your symptoms with the ingredients used to treat them.
Word of caution: Some OTC drugs should not be used if you are taking other
medicines or if you have certain medical conditions. See your doctor before
starting a new OTC drug if you have any questions. (See Read
the Product Labels.)
| Symptom |
How to Treat |
Generic Ingredients |
| Generalized aches/pains |
Analgesic drug |
aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn |
| Facial pain |
Analgesic drug |
aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn |
| Stuffy nose/ congestion |
Decongestant drug |
pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, oxymetazoline, naphazoline, |
| Productive cough |
Expectorant |
guaifenesin |
| Nonproductive cough |
Antitussive drug |
dextromethorphan |
| Runny nose |
Antihistamine drug |
brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, loratadine,
pheniramine |
| Fever |
Antipyretic drug |
aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn |
| Headache |
Analgesic drug |
aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn |
| Hoarseness |
Analgesic drug - Expectorant |
aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn, guaifenesin |
| Itchy nose/eyes/throat |
Antihistamine drug |
diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, brompheniramine, pheniramine |
| Sneezing |
Antihistamine drug |
diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, clemastine, brompheniramine, pheniramine |
| Sore throat |
Anesthetic - Analgesic drug |
benzocaine, benzyl alcohol, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxyn |
Generalized aches/pains
Analgesic drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil,
Motrin), and naproxyn (Aleve) work to relieve overall body aches and pains.
Facial pain
Like generalized pain, facial pain is eased by analgesic drugs such as aspirin,
acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxyn (Aleve). If,
however, you suffer from facial pressure, you may have nasal congestion which
is best helped by a decongestant (see Congestion below).
Congestion
Phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline (Afrin) are found in nasal
decongestants; phenylephrine is being used more often now in oral decongestants.*
Nasal decongestants typically work more quickly than oral decongestants. However,
nasal decongestants may have a rebound effect that makes your nose even more
congested if you use them for more than 3 - 5 days. For that reason, they are
best for short-lived colds and not for persistent allergies. In contrast, oral
decongestants will not lead to rebound congestion and their effect typically
lasts longer than nasal decongestants. The downside to oral decongestants is
that they have a slower onset to take effect.
Individuals who are pregnant or breast-feeding and those with heart problems
or high blood pressure should avoid decongestants. These individuals should
consider a sodium chloride nasal spray instead. Talk with your doctor if you
are not certain if you should take a decongestant.
*Keep in mind that one medication may contain several different ingredients,
and another medication may only contain one ingredient but may relieve symptoms
of several different health conditions. Read the
product labels so that you take what you need, but not more than necessary.
In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now requires medications
containing pseudeophedrine to be sold from behind your pharmacist's counter
because this decongestant is a key ingredient in the production of the illegal
stimulant drug methamphetamine. In an effort to have their products continue
to be sold OTC, many drug manufacturers have replaced this ingredient with
phenylephrine.
Cough
What is your cough like? A productive cough is one where mucus is present.
A nonproductive cough is a dry cough with no mucus.
You might want to encourage a productive cough, so that some of the mucus
in the lower respiratory tract can be coughed up. If too much mucus stays there,
pneumonia can develop. If you have a productive cough, use an expectorant,
such as Guaifenesin (Robitussin), and drink plenty of water. Both may help
to remove the mucus from the lungs. Contact your doctor if any of the mucus
is green or yellow or contains blood.
Nonproductive coughs might be relieved by an antitussive. Dextromethorphan*
is the most common OTC antitussive. Cough medicines with the initials DM have
dextromethorphan in the ingredients, such as Robitussin DM. Antitussives are
also included in throat lozenges.
You should also note whether your cough medicine is indicated for day or night
time use. Night time cough medicines usually contain the active ingredient
diphenhydramine, which may cause drowsiness.
*FDA Warning on Dextromethorphan Abuse: In May 2005, the FDA issued
a warning regarding dextromethorphan (DXM) abuse after reports of five teenage
deaths that appeared to be linked to a powdered form of the drug. According
to the FDA report, "DXM abuse, though not a new phenomenon, has developed into
a disturbing new trend which involves the sale of pure DXM in powdered form.
This pure DXM is often encapsulated by the "dealer" and offered for street
use." Overdoses of DXM can lead to brain damage, heart problems, seizure, loss
of consciousness, and even death.
When taken as directed and formulated as a cough suppressant, dextromethorphan
is generally safe and well tolerated.
Runny nose
The way you treat your runny nose should depend on whether or not it is caused
by a cold or an allergy.
For a runny nose associated with an allergy, use an antihistamine that contains
diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton) or clemastine
(Tavist). (You'll also find these ingredients in many combination OTC products,
such as Dimetapp.) These same drugs should be used when a sinus problem is
triggered by an allergy.
For a runny nose caused by a cold, antihistamines are not recommended. Despite
their presence in many OTC cold medications, they serve no function for the
common cold. Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamines into
the body, but cold symptoms are caused by a virus, not by histamine release.
The antihistamines actually block the flow of mucus from the nose, the same
mucus that is ridding the body of the virus. Studies have shown that antihistamines
have little or no benefit in the relief of cold symptoms.
Remember that most antihistamines cause drowsiness and should be avoided when
you must remain alert. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase the effects of the
antihistamine. In addition, do not take antihistamines if you have emphysema,
bronchitis, glaucoma, difficulty in urination or are taking sedatives or tranquilizers,
unless recommended by your doctor.
Fever
The best medicine to take to reduce a fever is one that contains an antipyretic.
The most common analgesic/antipyretic drugs include aspirin*, acetaminophen
(Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxyn (Aleve).
*Aspirin is not recommended for children. Acetaminophen is typically given
to children with a fever, if medicine is needed.
Headache
The most effective medicine to take to relieve headache pain is one containing
an analgesic. The most common analgesic/antipyretic drugs include aspirin,
acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxyn (Aleve). In
addition, Excedrin Migraine has been approved by the FDA to relieve migraine
headache pain, including severe pain and other symptoms associated with the
full migraine syndrome.
Hoarseness
There is no true drug treatment for hoarseness. The best way to help the condition
is to rest your voice. Drinking tea or sucking on a throat lozenge (such as
Chloraseptic or Sucrets) or hard candy also helps by keeping the throat wet.
Analgesic drugs will ease the pain of hoarseness. The most common analgesic/antipyretic
drugs include aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin),
and naproxyn (Aleve).
If the hoarseness is caused by mucus in the throat, a expectorant containing
guaifensesin (such as Robitussin) will help to loosen the mucus.
Hoarseness is usually caused by a nonproductive (dry) cough. Nonproductive
coughs need an antitussive to stop the coughing. Dextromethorphan is the most
common OTC antitussive. Cough medicines with the initials DM have dextromethorphan
in the ingredients, such as Robitussin DM. You can also look for antitussives
in throat lozenges.
Itchy eyes/nose/throat
These symptoms usually are present with an allergy. Antihistamines works to
reduce these and other allergy symptoms. For antihistamines to be most effective,
take them at the onset of your allergy symptoms. Some of the most common OTC
antihistamines include diphenhydramine (Benadryl), chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton),
clemastine (Tavist), and loratadine (Claritin).
Remember that many antihistamines cause drowsiness, and they should be avoided
when you must remain alert. Avoid alcohol, as it may increase the effects of
the antihistamine. In addition, do not take antihistamines if you have emphysema,
bronchitis, glaucoma, difficulty in urination or are taking sedatives or tranquilizers,
unless recommended by your doctor.
Sneezing
When sneezing is caused by an allergy, antihistamines should be taken. For
antihistamines to be most effective, take them at the onset of your allergy
symptoms. The three most common OTC antihistamines are diphenhydramine (Benadryl),
chlorpheniramine (Chlortrimeton), and clemastine (Tavist).
When sneezing is caused by a cold, antihistamines are not recommended. Despite
their presence in many OTC cold medications, they serve no function for the
common cold. Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamines into
the body, but cold symptoms are caused by a virus, not by histamine release.
The antihistamines actually block the flow of mucus from the nose, the same
mucus that is ridding the body of the virus. Studies have shown that antihistamines
have little or no benefit in the relief of cold symptoms.
Sore throat
Throat lozenges (such as Chloraseptic or Sucrets) are effective in treating
sore throat pain. Throat lozenges usually contain two types of ingredients.
One ingredient is an anesthetic (benzocaine, benzyl alcohol) and produces a
numbing effect on the throat. The other ingredient is an antibacterial (phenol,
phenol containing salts). Unfortunately, you are finished sucking on the lozenge,
sore throat symptoms usually resume. Hard candy may also temporarily relieve
sore throat pain.
When a sore throat is caused by a nonproductive (dry) cough, you may want
to use an antitussive to stop the coughing. Dextromethorphan is the most common
OTC antitussive. Cough medicines with the initials DM have dextromethorphan
in the ingredients, such as Robitussin DM. You can also look for antitussives
in throat lozenges. Dextromethorphan, however, has the potential to be abused.
Reference
US Food and Drug Administration. FDA Warns Against Abuse of Dextromethorphan
(DXM). Rockville, MD: National Press Office. 2005 May. Talk Paper T05-23.
Review Date: 4/4/2007
Reviewed By:
Alan Greene, M.D., F.A.A.P., Department of Pediatrics, Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine; Chief Medical Officer, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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