Most allergy medications are designed to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. However, these drugs sometimes are also used to treat other allergic conditions, including food allergies and skin disorders related to allergies. Conditions treated with allergy medications include:

• Rhinitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose that may be caused by an allergic reaction (allergic rhinitis) or other factors, such as an infection (non-allergic rhinitis). Allergy medications are effective at treating the nasal congestion and sneezing associated with this condition.
  

  

• Conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the tissues inside the lining of the eyelid caused by an allergic reaction (allergic conjunctivitis), irritation or infection (pink-eye). Allergy medications (usually administered through eye drops) can help reduce inflammation, relieving symptoms such as red, itchy or watery eyes.

  

• Sinusitis. Inflammation of the lining of the sinus cavities in the face that can be caused by allergies (allergic sinusitis), infection or irritation. Allergy medications can reduce the inflammation, relieving symptoms such as sinus pressure, runny nose and congestion.
  
  

  

• Bronchitis. Inflammation of the bronchial tube linings caused by allergies (allergic bronchitis), irritation or infection. Short-acting allergy medications can relieve the persistent cough and shortness of breath associated with this condition.
  
  
• Anaphylactic shock. A potentially life-threatening condition that involves difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure as the result of exposure to an allergen. It can be treated with allergy medications.
  
  
• Asthma. A condition in which airway passages become blocked or constricted causing shortness of breath. Some allergy medications open the airways by relaxing the smooth muscles or decreasing the amount of mucus that can potentially narrow airways.
  

  

• Atopic dermatitis. An itchy inflammation of the skin, often characterized by flaking, caused by an allergic reaction. Histamine levels appear elevated in the skin and plasma of some individuals with this condition, making allergy medications a useful treatment.
  
  

  

• Hives. Red, swollen patches of skin that often itch or burn that can be treated with allergy medications.
  
  

  

• Wheezing. A whistling sound caused by the friction of air going through narrowed airways. Allergy medications widen the narrow passageways and relax the small tubes in the lungs, making breathing easier.
  
  
• Lung disorders. Allergy medications may be used to treat a number of conditions that may impact a patient’s ability to breathe.
  
  
• Ear-related problems. Allergy medications may be used to treat a number of ear-related disorders that may be linked with allergies.