Conditions

Antihistamines & Corticosteroids

Medications used to treat allergic conditions may include:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines work well for treating allergy symptoms, especially when symptoms do not happen very often or do not last very long.
Antihistamines taken by mouth can relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause sleepiness. Many may be bought without a prescription. Talk to your doctor before giving these medicines to a child, as they may affect learning.
Newer antihistamines cause little or no sleepiness. Some are available over the counter. They usually do not interfere with learning. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Azelastine (Astelin), Astepro and Patanase are antihistamine-based nasal sprays that are used to treat allergic rhinitis.

Corticosteroids (Nasal and Lung sprays)

Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. Anti-inflammatory lung sprays are also very effective in the treatment and management of asthma. Although these products contain a corticosteroid, they are considered very safe, especially when used as prescribed.
These products work best when used daily, but they can also be helpful when used for shorter periods of time, especially during the times of the year when the patient’s symptoms are most active.
Some of the nasal sprays are approved for the pediatric population age 2 and up.

Decongestants

Oral decongestants are drugs that constrict the blood vessels in the nose, thus decreasing nasal congestion. Sudafed is a popular oral decongestant available over the counter, without a prescription. They typically have no effect on nasal itchiness, runny nose, or watery eyes.
Since decongestants may act throughout your body and not just in your nose, they should be used with caution in patients with heart disease, thyroid problems, or high blood pressure. Although often very effective at relieving symptoms of stuffy nose or sinus congestion, they often have side effects such as jitteriness, irritability or difficulty sleeping at night (such as many people experience with coffee)
Topical Decongestants are nasal sprays (i.e.,Afrin or Neo-Synephrine) available over the counter. Since they are applied directly to the effected site, they relieve nasal congestion rapidly and can quickly open clogged nasal passages.
Nasal decongestant sprays can be effective at relieving the symptoms of the common cold. However due to the potential that the nasal mucosa can become dependent on these sprays for congestion they should not be used for more than 3 days in a row. However, the nasal mucosa can become “dependent” on these sprays for congestion especially if they are used for more than 3 days in a row.

Other Medications

The leukotriene inhibitor Singulair is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments.
Allergies

Environmental Allergies

Other CommonAllergies

Allergies Testing
Allergic Treatments

Allergy Shots

Allergy Drops

Allergy Medications

Lifestyle Changes

First and foremost let me start by saying that these people did one hell of a job figuring out my sinus problems. When I first arrived there, I explained what was going on with me having excessive inflammation in the sinus…after they tested me, I found out that I was being exposed to dust mites which gave me a strong reaction. I followed the doctors guides lines in terms of cleaning my room and ever since, my sinus inflammation went away for good and now I have a healthy sinus. Thank you for everything.

- Johnathon T
Dr. Engler is great and his staff, both medical and administrative, are wonderful. Dr. Engler is competent, caring, and listens better than any doctor I’ve ever had, constantly and patiently asking if I have any more questions. The staff is great. The nurses are very friendly and helpful. The desk staff is the same. I have been going here over a year and have always received caring and competent treatment. I highly recommend them.
- Tom B
Hands down the best place to go for Allergies and Asthma. The staff is incredibly kind and caring and so professional and helpful. I’ve been going here for over 30 years and they have gone out of their way countless times to make sure that I was well-cared-for. The nurses are excellent and always make sure to ask how my family is doing not to mention that they give the most painless allergy shots around. They remember little details about me and always make sure to give me a lollipop for my son, even when he’s not with me. Brooke is a great diagnostician and listener and each time I have an appointment with her, I always leave feeling better. The same is true for Dr. Engler.

My 10 year old son also has allergies and asthma and the staff makes sure that he feels well taken care of and comfortable, despite his having Autism and ADHD. He actually looks forward to going there with me, whether it be for my allergy shots or even when he needed allergy skin testing. When you’re a patient at the Allergy and Asthma clinic, you are treated as if you are the only patient they have, even when the waiting room is full. Dr. Engler has hired truly excellent staff, from the front desk people to the nurses and medical assistants. If you have allergies and/or asthma and you live on the Peninsula or even in the city, I highly recommend that you visit the Allergy and Asthma Clinic. They are truly amazing and will make you feel so much better.

-Sandi S.
I had an amazing experience at this clinic. Dr. Engler and the staff were all extremely welcoming, warm, and thorough in their various lanes of work from the front desk to billing to the assistants to Dr. Engler himself.
One thing I wish I knew before coming in was that the food test covers 80 allergens, and the environmental test covers 80 allergens meaning if you want to do both you need to come two separate days. This is kind of a hassle but definitely worth it since you’ll be tested for 160 allergens whereas most clinics only test 80 total.
Through the tests I figured out what I was allergic to and was advised to use an over the counter medication which has drastically helped and eliminated the symptoms I was experiencing. Dr. Engler also covered all the things I needed to do to reduce my symptoms via my lifestyle which was super helpful with my symptom reduction as well. I’d highly recommend this clinic! Insurance covered the tests and visits. (I have anthem blue cross)
-Christina L
I’ve been a patient at The Allergy and Asthma Clinic for over 12 years, and I can’t speak highly enough of the care I’ve received. Growing up with severe pollen allergies, I’ve been on and off allergy shots for years, and this clinic has truly been a lifesaver for me.
From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family. The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and genuinely invested in your well-being. I have never had a negative experience with anyone here; everyone is consistently friendly and supportive.
Dr. Engler is exceptional! He has a remarkable ability to quickly and effectively address any situation. His expertise and compassionate approach have made a significant difference in managing my allergies.
If you’re struggling with allergies or asthma, this is the place to go. I wholeheartedly recommend The Allergy and Asthma Clinic to anyone seeking top-notch care.
-Trevor C