September 2024

Does it seem like your go-to allergy medication isn’t working as well as it used to? You may worry that you’re becoming resistant to your current allergy medications. However, when it comes to common allergy medications, such as inhaled steroids and antihistamines, medication resistance is highly unlikely.

That doesn’t mean that your experience of reduced efficacy isn’t real — just that its cause is probably something else. Here are three reasons that your allergy meds might seem less effective.

You’ve developed new allergies.

New allergies can develop at any age. If you have a new allergy, you may be experiencing more intense allergy symptoms than usual, or your current medication may not be as effective against your new symptoms. Consult an allergist if you think you may have new allergies and need an updated treatment plan.

Your environment has changed.

People with seasonal allergies often have other allergies as well. If you’re suddenly exposed to other allergens during pollen season — or maybe from a new pet, smoky air, or mold — your allergy symptoms may worsen. You may need to change your medication dose — or add a new medication to your routine. You can also try minimizing exposure to the other allergens.

You’re skipping doses of your allergy medication.

Do you sometimes stop taking your allergy meds once your symptoms go away, only to find that they come back in full force? The best approach is to start your meds at least a couple of weeks before allergy season begins (if you have seasonal allergies) — and take them regularly while there’s any chance of being exposed to allergy triggers.