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Allergies, colds and infections have similar symptoms and treatments focused on relieving these symptoms are often the same. Medications that may be used to treat both allergies and colds include:

• Antihistamines. Medications used to treat symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy and watery eyes. For allergies, antihistamines can be taken either after symptoms begin or on a regular basis, to prevent symptoms from occurring.

  

• Decongestants. Medications used to reduce nasal congestion, swelling and redness. They work by constricting swollen nasal tissues, which prevents fluid and mucus from forming.
  
  
• Nasal sprays. Medications, used to reduce nasal allergy and cold symptoms, that are delivered as a fine mist directly into the nasal passages. A variety of medication can be delivered in this manner, including antihistamines, corticosteroids, decongestants and lubricating medicines.
  
  
• Eye drops. Medications dropped directly into the eye to relieve eye-related symptoms. A variety of medication can be delivered in this manner, including antihistamines, decongestants and sterile solutions to lubricate eye tissue.

For colds, infections and flu-like symptoms, adequate rest, a nutritious diet and time are often the best treatments. With the exception of diet, these factors will have little effect on allergy sufferers. Medications that may be used to treat cold-like symptoms, but not allergies, include:

• Expectorants (medications which help thin mucus)
• Cough suppressants
• Aspirin and other pain relievers or fever reducers
• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections only)

For allergy sufferers, all treatments will involve avoiding the allergen that triggers a reaction as much as possible. Once the source of the allergy is diagnosed, a physician can determine the most appropriate treatment methods for each patient. Allergy treatment may also include medications to:

• Reduce inflammation (e.g., NSAIDs or corticosteroids)
  
  
• Open breathing passages and reduce mucus in lungs (e.g., bronchodilators, anticholinergics)
  
  
• Reverse life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis (e.g., epinephrine)
  
  
• Prevent the onset of allergy symptoms (e.g., antihistamines, leukotriene modifiers, corticosteroids, mast cell stabilizers, anti-IgE antibodies)

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are another potential allergy treatment. Aimed at reducing symptoms or the frequency of allergic reactions, the treatment involves injecting the patient with gradually increasing amounts of a specific allergen over a period of time. The method is not always effective and not appropriate for all patients.