When the flowering of many plants begins, it is a time when allergies arrive. An allergy is an immune response to normally harmless substances, such as pollen or food. These substances are called allergens, and they are identified by the immune system as a threat that it fights by releasing chemicals such as histamines. Typical allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal congestion.
Antihistamines attach themselves to histamine receptors, blocking their action, preventing tear and saliva secretions, and the production of mucus.
There are documents that prove the existence of allergic diseases since time immemorial, but their mechanisms did not begin to be studied rigorously until the mid-19th century with the increase in hay fever, which is a fever that causes allergic rhinitis due to flowering.
Symptoms of hay fever https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20373039
At the beginning of the 20th century, the mechanisms of immunity were discovered. One of the greatest steps toward understanding the mechanisms of allergy was the discovery of the antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), in the 1960s by Kimishige Ishizaka. This antibody is directly involved in the allergic reaction and the immune system's response.
The Ishizakas. Discoveries regarding allergy.
The best prevention for allergies is to avoid exposure to allergens, but in most cases, this is an impossible mission. In any case, various medications can be used to control symptoms and prevent the effects of the allergy. In the case of seasonal allergies, they are generally caused by the pollen of plants that bloom during the spring, or during ragweed towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
Among the variety of medications available to treat allergies, there are tablets such as antihistamines, nasal sprays to treat rhinitis, eye drops, skin creams, and in extreme cases, immunotherapy is used to treat them. Some require a prescription and others do not; medications that do require a prescription are marked with a » * «.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines block histamine, that chemical substance that produces symptoms and which the immune system releases during an allergic reaction.
Oral antihistamines relieve allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose or watery eyes. There are different generations of antihistamines.
An adverse effect of first-generation antihistamines is that they cross the blood-brain barrier of the brain and can cause drowsiness or fatigue; use caution when you need to drive or perform other activities that require being alert. Later generations no longer cross this barrier as much and do not have that drowsiness side effect.
Antihistamines that tend to cause greater drowsiness are used to help induce sleep and prevent motion sickness when you are in a vehicle (kinetosis). Among the active ingredients used are:
 |
 |
 |
| Diphenhydramine (Biodramina) | Doxylamine (Dormidina) | Hydroxyzine* (Atarax) |
The most widely used antihistamines are those that are least likely to cause drowsiness.
Among the active ingredients used are:
 |
 |
 |
| Cetirizine * (Zyrtec) | Desloratadine * (Aerius) | Levocetirizine * (Xyzal) |
 |
 |
|
| Loratadine (Claritin) | Ebastine (Ebastel) |
Eye drops
Antihistamine ophthalmic drops improve redness and discomfort caused by watery eyes. They act locally on the eye. It must be said that they can produce side effects such as headache or dry eyes.
 |
 |
|
| Ketotifen * (Zaditen) | Naphazoline (Vispring, Ojosbel) |
Nasal decongestants
Nasal decongestants improve allergy symptoms such as sneezing and nasal congestion. You can find different active ingredients on the market.
Do not use for more than 2-3 days, as they can cause addiction.
 |
 |
 |
| Tramazoline (Rhinospray) | Oxymetazoline (Utabon) | Xylometazoline (Rhinovin) |
Nasal sprays
Corticosteroid sprays prevent and alleviate congestion and sneezing. Corticosteroids decrease inflammation in the nose and improve symptoms of nasal congestion. Among the most widely used drugs are:
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Budesonide (Rhinocort) | Fluticasone propionate (Flonase) | Mometasone * (Nasonex) | Triamcinolone * (Nasacort) |
Skin creams
These are topical creams with cortisone that relieve the inflammatory response produced by allergic skin reactions.
Do not use for long periods.
 |
 |
|
| Hydrocortisone (Onctose) | Mometasone * (Elocon) |
Allergen immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a state-of-the-art technique, where exposure to allergens is specifically programmed and progressively increased. The goal is to train the immune system so that it does not react to these allergens. It is administered in the form of injections or sublingually, for several weeks.
It is useful for reducing asthma symptoms.
Aromatherapy
Apart from the classic treatments we have described, there is the option of aromatherapy, which is effective enough to combat allergy symptoms; they are products without side effects and are more natural.
We leave you a study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information where the effect of using these sprays was analyzed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7949223/
Below you can find 3 Puressentiel products, with proven scientific efficacy, to improve allergy symptoms.
PURESSENTIEL DECONGESTANT NASAL SPRAY WITH 4 ESSENTIAL OILS 15ML
This spray helps reduce congestion and nasal discharge. Unlike other products, it hydrates the nasal cavity. It has a gentle action and does not irritate or dry out the nasal mucosa.
It does not contain corticosteroids or vasoconstrictors, which would cause dependency.
It combines hypertonic seawater with rosemary floral water, propolis, and echinacea.
Buy it here https://www.farmaciapasteur.com/producto/97120580/puressentiel-spray-nasal-descongestionante-con-4-ae-15ml
PURESSENTIEL HYDRATING NASAL HYGIENE SPRAY 100ML
This nasal spray guarantees effective and gentle nasal washing; it can be used from 10 years old and by adults. It cleans, hydrates, and clears nasal passages.
It combines Brittany seawater, rich in marine trace elements, and calendula extracts. This isotonic solution helps treat problems such as allergic rhinitis.
It is suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women. It does not contain alcohol or preservatives.
PURESSENTIEL RESP OK AIR SPRAY 20ml
This spray improves the discomfort caused by seasonal sensitivity, especially in spring. Essential oils can be used for respiratory well-being.
Thanks to essential oils with purifying and calming properties, you can quickly achieve respiratory well-being.
It can be sprayed directly into the air, onto a handkerchief, or into a container of boiling water to inhale the steam.
Buy it here https://www.farmaciapasteur.com/producto/97120584/puressentiel-spray-respok-19-ae-20ml
It should be noted that each type of treatment can have contraindications; be careful if you suffer from glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension. It is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice to avoid unwanted effects and improve its effectiveness.