Allergy Attack

Seasonal allergies can lead to nasal congestion and throat irritation, eye irritation with itchiness or watery eyes, or asthma-like symptoms.

If you can’t breathe or swallow or see, call 911. 
At first sign of allergic reaction, take Benadryl (diphenhydramine).  It’s an antihistamine to counteract the histamines that are part of an allergic reaction. 

Benadryl also comes as a topical.  The other option is Cortisone (hydrocortisone) - a steroid.  This can’t be used all over your body because it can soak all the way through your skin and get in your bloodstream, which would lead to systemic effects of steroids.  If you need systemic effects, it’s best to get a steroid prescribed by a doctor. 

Antihistamines
1st Generation: Benadryl - drowsy side effects, works fast but wears off fast. 
2nd Generation: Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra - all have generics, all OTC, just take 1 time a day. 

Steroid nasal sprays are newly OTC - Flonase and Nasacort.  Localized steroids in your sinus passage