Following are some suggestions for the relief of less serious allergic reactions: 1. Oral nasal decongestant drugs such as pseudoephedrine may be taken up to four times daily in doses of 30 to 60 milligrams each. 2. Nasal passages may be irrigated with a mild salt solution made with four ounces of warm tap water and a quarter teaspoon of table salt, using a nasal dropper. 3. Nose drops and sprays—for example, Neosynephrine, phen­ylephrine, Afrin, or other long-acting medication—should not be used for more than four consecutive days. Chronic use leads to renewed swelling and nasal obstruction, caused by the drops. Nasal solutions containing Mentholatum and other oils are best avoided. 4. For temporary relief, take hot showers and apply heating pads and hot cloths to the nasal area. Sneezing, Itching, and Watery Discharge of Hay Fever Antihistamines are more effective in relieving the itch and watery discharge phases of hay fever and allergic rhinitis. If a person is taking blood-pressure medications such as reserpine or propanalol, a physician should be consulted as to whether the medications are contributing to the stuffiness. The following suggestions should help relieve symptoms: 1. An antihistamine is the best choice of drug. Chlorphenera-mine, in doses of 2 and 4 milligrams, are obtainable without a prescription. Such side effects as drowsiness, dryness, and gastric disturbance can be combated by varying either the dose or the preparation. Many preparations are combinations of antihistamines and adrenergic decongestants. For rapid, reliable action, a short-acting drug is preferable. Among many people, "sustained-effect" drugs are absorbed less evenly; they may be considered for night­time use after other symptoms have been controlled. 2. Avoidance measures should be considered part of the treat­ment. If the culprit is pollen, exposure should be minimized. Avoid gardening, lawn mowing, and hiking in areas of tall vegetation. Stay indoors during high winds and keep bedroom windows closed when sleeping. If conditions at work produce symptoms, consider such measures as improving the ventilation, installing suction air hoods, and using a respiratory mask.

The following may be used to relieve the pain of sinusitis or middle-ear allergy: 1. Nasal decongestants, whether used locally or orally, help open clogged tubes to the sinus cavities and the middle-ear chambers. 2. Heat applied to the local sinus area and the ears—in the form of a heating pad, hot cloths, or warm mineral oil solution in the ears—provides some relief. 3. Medications for pain—such as aspirin and acetaminophen (Tylenol and Valadol)—may be taken until medical attention can be obtained. 4. Antihistamines can be used to treat the underlying allergic rhinitis. 5. Avoid swimming, diving, and trips to high elevations until the condition improves. Summary Allergy emergencies are not common, and they are rarely fatal. Those that do require immediate attention are anaphylaxis, a general­ized, allergic shocklike reaction; laryngeal, or tracheal, edema (swell­ing of the windpipe); and severe asthma, or bronchospasm. Epinephrine by injection is the drug of choice in all three emergencies. Although allergy emergencies have numerous causes, a general knowledge of them can enable the allergy sufferer to prevent recur­rences. Other related allergic illnesses, while discomforting and sometimes alarming, are not life-threatening. Self-treatment measures are available to provide relief until more extensive medical attention can be obtained. Allergy emergencies can be treated successfully, and some can often be prevented. Unlike some injuries and certain illnesses, the outlook for complete recovery is good.