By Dr. Jasdeep Sidana (MD, MHCM, FCCP)
According to the CDC, over 100 million Americans suffer from allergies. 25.7% of adults report having seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, ragweed, and other allergens. While reaching for over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines might bring temporary relief, the best treatments for seasonal allergies require a deeper look into root triggers. This approach also involves exploring long-term solutions tailored to your body’s sensitivities. Let’s examine why allergy testing matters, how OTC medications compare to prescription options, and how customized treatments like allergy shots can be a better long-term solution.
Understanding Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hay fever, are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, or pet dander. The body’s immune system overreacts to these normally harmless substances and causes inflammation in the nose, throat, and eyes, resulting in these common symptoms:
- Sneezing and nasal congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Coughing or wheezing
This immunoresponse is why spring and fall can feel like a daily battle for allergy sufferers. Relief starts with choosing the best treatment based on your unique allergy profile through comprehensive testing.Â
Over-the-Counter (OTC) vs Prescription
You’ve seen it in TV ads, heard it on the radio, or perhaps in the middle of a sports game commercial break. OTC treatments can offer fast-acting solutions for allergy symptoms. But while they are generally accessible and often effective for mild cases, OTC drugs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s examine OTC treatments for allergies compared to prescription medicine:
| Over-the-Counter (OTC) | Prescription Allergy Medications | |
| Access |
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| Safety |
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| Usage |
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| Examples | ||
| Antihistamines | Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra (non-drowsy) Contains active ingredients like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine to ease symptoms | Hydroxyzine, stronger antihistamines Oral tablet for anxiety, itching, or sedation before and after surgery |
| Nasal Sprays | Flonase, Nasacort (steroid-based) Flonase spray reduces inflammation by blocking substances with the corticosteroid fluticasone. | Prescription-strength corticosteroid sprays |
| Decongestants | Sudafed, Afrin (short-term use) Sudafed PE shrinks nasal blood vessels to relieve congestion and stuffiness. | Prescription decongestants or combination meds Decongestants vary in effects, with pseudoephedrine sold behind pharmacy counters. |
| Eye Drops | Artificial tears, ketotifen Antihistamine eye drops relieve allergic conjunctivitis and stabilize mast cells. | Olopatadine or other prescription-strength options Olopatadine drops treat itching and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis effectively. |
While OTC medications are good for getting short-term relief, they are not advisable for fully controlling symptoms, especially for moderate to severe allergy sufferers. Moreover, they often do not address the real cause of your allergies. On the other hand, prescription allergy medications are stronger and more targeted to combat inflammation and allergic reactions. Prescription drugs can also come with fewer side effects compared to some OTC antihistamines. These treatments are usually prescribed by doctors and other healthcare professionals based on a patient’s diagnostic tests, leading to better symptom control.
However, even prescription medications fall short. By design, they manage symptoms rather than cure allergies and do not modify the underlying immune response that causes allergic reactions. For this reason, targeted immunotherapy is the best treatment for seasonal allergies.Â
Immunotherapy: Best Treatments for Seasonal Allergies
Targeted immunotherapy gradually desensitizes the immune system to specific allergens so that it does not overreact and cause symptoms. This approach targets the root cause of allergies rather than just masking symptoms.
Successful immunotherapy can lead to long-term remission of allergy symptoms, meaning you can reduce or even eliminate the need to take OTC or prescription drugs continuously. While immunotherapy treatment takes longer to complete, it offers a more natural and lasting solution that neither OTC drugs nor prescription medications can provide.
Immunotherapy Treatment Process
Unlike pills or sprays that manage symptoms briefly, immunotherapy uses allergy shots to retrain your immune system and make it less reactive to allergens over time.
- Build-Up Phase: Small doses of allergens are injected 3–4 times per week for up to 8 months.
- Maintenance Phase: Continued injections (usually twice weekly) for about 4 months.
After the first year, many patients see a dramatic drop in symptoms and often don’t need daily medications.
Docs Medical clinics offer innovative at-home immunotherapy, allowing patients like you to take treatments at home for greater comfort and convenience. Instead of going weekly to the clinic, you can more easily stick to your allergy shots schedule and ensure better treatment outcomes. Compared to other allergy clinics, 90% of our patients complete their treatment in one year.
Fight Seasonal Allergies With the Best Treatment
While OTC and prescription drugs might be enough to smother a sneeze or two, persistent seasonal allergies deserve a more innovative approach. DOCS Medical allergists offer the best treatments for seasonal allergies by identifying your specific allergens and developing a personalized treatment plan. We also provide primary care and urgent care for patients of all ages. With the proper treatment, you can soon enjoy outdoor activities—whatever the season—without the misery of constant symptoms.
Ready to take control of your seasonal allergies with customized care? Give us a call or book an appointment online to start the best treatment for your seasonal allergies today.
Distinguished medical professional (MD, MHCM, FCCP) has extensive experience in healthcare leadership, clinical practice, and medical education. With advanced training and credentials including a Master’s in Healthcare Management and board certification in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Dr. Sidana has a proven track record of driving innovation and improving patient outcomes. His expertise spans medical diagnostics, healthcare operations, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making him a thought leader in advancing modern medicine. Connect with him on LinkedIn to explore his insights and contributions to the field.