If you're one of the lucky people who don't suffer from allergies, count your blessings. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, over 18 million American adults are diagnosed with hay fever over the course of a year, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases cites a national survey that found that "more than half of all U.S. citizens test positive for at least one allergen."
Mild to Moderate Allergies
Of course, testing positive for an allergen doesn't necessarily mean that you are afflicted with allergic symptoms. But for those of us who have mild to moderate allergies (the kind that aren't life-threatening), the symptoms can be miserable. A runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and coughing are uncomfortable and annoying signs that our bodies are reacting to our environment. Indeed, some experts postulate that the rising rate of allergies - and asthma in particular - is attributable to the deteriorating air quality in ever more energy efficient buildings or to the "cleaner" life we lead as a result of using antibacterial and antiviral soaps, lotions, and hand cleansers.
Relief from Allergies
But regardless of the reasons we develop allergies, there's little dispute that we need relief. Ideally, of course, we could simply remove allergens from our environment and thus alleviate allergic reactions, but that's impractical - if not impossible.
While over-the-counter allergy medications are available, many of them have unwanted side effects. That is why people are increasingly turning to a licensed pharmacy for prescriptions that will bring about relief.
Allergy Prescriptions
When it comes to prescription medications for allergies, there are three basic types of drugs to treat common allergies like animal dander, dust, molds, and grasses and pollens: decongestants, antihistamines, and combinations of the two. Decongestants serve to reduce the swelling of the nasal passages and blood vessels to relieve a runny nose and red, watery eyes. Antihistamines block the body from utilizing the immune system's histamines, which cause itching, swelling, and redness. Brand name prescriptions include Allegra, Allegra-D, Claritin, Claritin-D, Patanol, Nasacort, and Zyrtec. Some medications are taken orally, while others are taken as a nasal spray.
Allergies and the Online Pharmacy
People who suffer from allergies are increasing turning to an online pharmacy for prescription medications. Although an online pharmacy isn't a substitute for an in-person medical consultation, they are a good option for many people who like the convenience of ordering online, have transportation issues, or who don't have health insurance.
When a person doesn't need a physical exam, a legal online pharmacy can be used to place an order for a prescription. The allergy sufferer then completes an online questionnaire, which is submitted to a physician. Upon review and approval, the prescription is forwarded to a licensed pharmacy to be filled. Once filled, the "FedEx pharmacy" sends the prescription to you via overnight delivery.
Allergies may be rampant, but the symptoms no longer have to run your life. Thanks to the advances of prescription medications, you can forgo the clogged nose and breathe a little easier.