Drugs for asthma triggered by allergies
Your doctor may prescribe certain drugs to treat allergy triggers (allergens) that can cause asthma. Some of these drugs include:
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Allergy medications: Oral and nasal spray antihistamines and decongestants are examples of allergy medications. Cromolyn nasal sprays and corticosteroids [6] are also examples of allergy medications. These drugs are available in prescription and nonprescription form. They can help with allergic symptoms like itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and sinus pressure. Allergy drugs are not a substitute for asthma drugs. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can be used to reduce inflammation. They are a safe, and long-term treatment for most people with asthma. Sprays like cromolyn do not have side effects so they can be used for a long period. Decongestant nasal spray should not be used for more than 2 to 3 days at a time because it can exacerbate symptoms when used repeatedly.
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Allergy shots: Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are used to treat allergic asthma that cannot be controlled by avoiding triggers. You can start with skin tests to know which allergens trigger your asthma symptoms. Your doctor may recommend various types of injections that contain small doses of those allergens. You will receive injections once a week for a few months, and then once a month for 3 to 5 years. Immunotherapy may also be done quickly. You will lose your sensitivity to these allergens after a few weeks of using the drugs.
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Under-the-tongue (sublingual) immunotherapy tablets: You can take small amounts of allergen in pill form that dissolves in your mouth to treat asthma triggered by allergies. Sublingual immunotherapy tablets are not effective for treating all allergens, but they can be used to treat ragweed and grass pollen and dust mites.