It’s allergy season, and like many people, you’ve stocked up on over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, or decongestants to keep symptoms in check. But what happens when the sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure won’t go away despite taking your allergy meds? This experience is more common than you might think. While many allergy medications are effective, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons allergy medications fail and how an urgent care provider can help you get your symptoms under control.
For same-day seasonal allergy treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our center is conveniently located at 3800 Irving Street in Denver, CO. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance by pre-registering below!
1. You’re Taking The Wrong Type of Medication
Not all allergy medications treat the same symptoms. If you’re relying on antihistamines for nasal congestion or a decongestant for itchy eyes, you're likely not targeting the root of the problem.
- Antihistamines work well for sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, but they don’t do much for nasal congestion.
- Decongestants reduce swelling in the nasal passages but are not effective for itching or sneezing.
- Nasal corticosteroids are among the most effective treatments for nasal allergies but take several days of consistent use to work.
It may take a combination of medications, or a switch to a different class of drugs, to find what works best for your symptoms.
2. You’re Not Starting Medication Early Enough
If you wait until your allergy symptoms are in full swing before taking medication, it can be harder to get them under control. Many allergy medications, especially nasal steroids, work best when started before allergy season begins or at the first sign of symptoms. By the time your immune system is already in high gear, your body may need more support to calm the inflammation. Starting treatment early can help prevent symptoms from becoming severe in the first place.
3. You’re Exposed To More Allergens That You Realize
Even the most effective medication can only do so much if you’re constantly surrounded by allergens. Common triggers like pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites are often present both indoors and outdoors, and exposure can add up quickly. Are your windows open during high pollen days? Are pets allowed in the bedroom? Are you spending time outside without showering or changing clothes afterwards? Consider your situation. Reducing exposure to allergens through environmental changes can enhance the effectiveness of your medication and significantly reduce symptoms.
4. You Might Be Dealing With Something Other Than Allergies
Sometimes, symptoms that resemble allergies are actually caused by another condition. If your medication is not working at all, you may be dealing with:
- A sinus infection or chronic sinusitis
- Non-allergic rhinitis, which can mimic allergy symptoms but doesn’t respond to typical allergy medications
- Cold or flu viruses, which cause overlapping symptoms like congestion, fatigue, and sore throat
An urgent care provider can help identify whether your symptoms are truly allergy-related or if something else is going on.
5. You May Need Prescription Medication or Allergy Testing
If over-the-counter medications aren’t doing the job, you may need stronger, prescription-strength options. In some cases, long-term allergy control requires prescription nasal sprays or allergy shots (immunotherapy). An urgent care provider can assess your symptoms, review your current medications, and refer you to allergy testing if needed. This can help pinpoint specific allergens and guide a more personalized treatment plan.
Get Walk-In Seasonal Allergy Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
Still sneezing, sniffling, and congested– even after taking allergy medication? You’re not alone. There are several reasons why your current treatment might not be working, from using the wrong type of medication to ongoing allergen exposure or an incorrect diagnosis. At AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands, we can help you determine the root cause of your symptoms, recommend more effective treatments, and get you back to feeling like yourself. No appointments are required to be seen by a board-certified provider– just walk in at your convenience. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. For more information about the services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 477-6000.
