While allergy shots can help treat many allergies, medications that focus on symptoms are often sufficient. Listed below are the drugs most likely to ease the four most common allergic conditions: hay fever, or allergic rhinitis; allergy-related sinusitis; allergy-related asthma; and skin allergies. The table does not include the herb butterbur, which may provide some relief of mild rhinitis, and two common drug classes: bronchodilators, because they're used only to treat asthma attacks; and decongestants, which should be used only temporarily. Oral decongestants can increase blood pressure and heart rate; topical decongestants can cause rebound congestion. Note that all costs are approximate.

Drug and action	For hay fever (rhinitis) or sinusitis	For asthma	For skin allergies	Risks and precautions
Over-the-counter drugs
Antihistamines: Reduce itching, sneezing, and, to a lesser extent, mucus production and congestion.	• Often sufficient for mild rhinitis. Best choice: loratadine (Claritin)	• Can ease asthma if rhinitis or sinusitis is also present. Best choice: loratadine.	• Can relieve hives. Best choice: loratadine. • Can modestly relieve mild eczema, though higher doses or sedating versions, such as chlorpheniramine (Aller-Chlor, Chlor-Trimeton) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy) may be needed.	• Even loratadine may cause drowsiness at high doses. • Don't use antihistamines for more than about 10 days or more than 2 or 3 times a year without consulting a doctor, who may diagnose a more severe problem requiring other medication.
Prescription drugs
Steroids: Reduce inflammation, itching, sneezing, mucus production, and congestion.	• Nasal sprays ($35 to $70 per month) are the most effective treatment for moderate-to-severe rhinitis and sinusitis. For seasonal symptoms, start before they appear. • Newer steroid nasal sprays, such as budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua) and fluticasone (Flonase), may be slightly safer than older ones, such as beclomethasone (Beconase AQ) and triamcinolone (Nasacort AQ).	• Nasal sprays can help control mild, intermittent asthma if you also have rhinitis or sinusitis. • Inhaled versions, such as Azmacort, Flovent, Pulmicort ($45 to $60 per month), are the most effective treatment for persistent asthma. • Oral steroids can quell asthma attacks that don't respond to a bronchodilator.	• Creams, ointments, and foams are effective against eczema but not hives. • Medium- or high-potency versions may be necessary to control eczema flare-ups, but otherwise use lowest effective dose. • Low-dose, generic versions of four creams-betamethasone, fluocinolone, hydrocortisone, and triamcinolone-cost less than other comparably safe and effective creams: $4 to $15 per standard prescription.	• Nasal and inhaled steroids can cause headaches, nosebleeds, and dryness and irritation of nose and throat; prolonged use of high doses may slow children's growth, thin the skin and bones, and increase the risk of glaucoma and cataracts in adults. • All topical steroids can thin the skin with prolonged use and, if used on eyelids, cause glaucoma and cataracts. • Avoid high-potency topical steroids if possible and never use on face, neck, or groin.
Leukotriene blockers: Reduce mucus production, congestion, and, to a lesser extent, sneezing and itching.	• Montelukast (Singulair), $90 per month, is an option for people with mild rhinitis who can't tolerate or don't respond to antihistamines or steroids, especially when there's substantial congestion.	• Montelukast (Singulair) is an option for people who find inhaled steroids difficult to use or whose asthma is mainly exercise-induced.	• Not approved, though in theory it might provide some relief.	• Montelukast (Singulair) appears less likely than other leukotriene blockers-zafirlukast (Accolate) and zileuton (Zyflo)-to cause drug interactions or liver problems. Long-term safety of all three is unknown.
Immune-modifying agents: Target underlying causes of inflammation.	• Omalizumab (Xolair) appears effective, but high cost ($1,000 or more per month) limits its use to severe cases that don't respond to other treatments.	• Omalizumab (Xolair) appears effective, but cost ($1,000 or more per month) limits use to severe, unresponsive cases.	• Not approved, though in theory it may provide some relief.	• Long-term safety unknown.

If you suspect you are suffering from hay fever, asthma or skin allergies, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Prompt, proper treatment can control symptoms and restore your quality of life. With many drug and non-drug options available, having up-to-date, unbiased information is crucial.