If your allergy symptoms are particularly severe or are associated with asthma, your allergist may prescribe leukotriene modifiers as a potential treatment option. Leukotriene modifiers, also known as leukotriene receptor antagonists, are a type of allergy treatment that helps prevent breathing problems and allergic rhinitis.
How Do Leukotriene Modifiers Work?
When your body comes into contact with an allergen to which it is sensitive, it releases chemicals to fight the invader, and these chemicals are what cause allergy symptoms. Leukotrienes are one of the chemicals released. They trigger inflammation and the tightening of airway muscles, as well as the production of mucus.
Leukotriene modifiers work by blocking leukotrienes from working or stopping your body from producing them altogether. By doing so, the leukotrienes cannot constrict the airway muscles.
What Do Leukotriene Modifiers Treat?
The symptoms associated with leukotrienes are:
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Asthma
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Excess mucus in your chest and throat
By blocking leukotrienes, leukotriene modifiers effectively manage these symptoms.
What’s the Difference Between Leukotriene Modifiers and Antihistamines?
Antihistamines are a common over-the-counter allergy medication (e.g., Claritin, Zyrtec) that work by blocking a different chemical—histamines—that are released in response to an allergic trigger. Histamines attach to blood vessels and cause swelling and itchiness where they attach. So, if histamines attach themselves to blood vessels in your nose, your nose will itch. Antihistamines, like leukotriene modifiers, block this chemical from working.
The primary difference between the two is the chemical they block: leukotriene modifiers act on leukotrienes, while antihistamines block histamines. As their target chemicals have slightly different effects, leukotriene modifiers and antihistamines will treat different symptoms.
When Should I Take Leukotriene Modifiers?
If antihistamines or other over-the-counter treatments—such as nasal sprays or decongestants—are effective at treating your allergy symptoms, you probably don’t need to add leukotriene modifiers to your treatment plan, especially since they are prescription-only. If your allergies trigger asthma or other respiratory issues, then leukotriene modifiers might be an option to explore.
It’s very common to take leukotriene modifiers in combination with antihistamines, especially in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Studies show that using the two medications together had a greater effect on treating asthma, sneezing, itching and rhinorrhea.
If you’re ready to take the next step in treating your allergy-related asthma, talk to our skilled allergists at Palmetto ENT & Allergy. Call today to make an appointment and create a personalized asthma treatment plan that works for you.