(CNN) — For some people, spring signals the return of allergy season.

An antihistamine may help allergy sufferers cope with their symptoms.

“It's like having a cold all the time, your nose is stuffy, it's runny, it's itchy and there is no reason to live that way,” said Allergist Kathleen Sheerin.

Sheerin says the expanded array of over-the-counter allergy medications offers relief for many of her patients.

“If you're an otherwise healthy, young person, not with multiple medical problems and not taking multiple medications, then it is OK to try if you have the standard allergy symptoms,” Sheerin said.

She recommends patients with pre-existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes check with a doctor before self medicating.

Both over-the-counter medications and those available by prescription have potential side effects. Antihistamines may cause drowsiness. Decongestants relieve stuffiness but may raise blood pressure and cause insomnia.

If all else fails, some patients rely on monthly allergy shots which help increase their ability to tolerate an allergen.