Allergic rhinitis is an allergic condition that many people suffer from. There are many factors that cause this situation. Once you know what you’re allergic to, your allergist will determine a treatment plan based on your symptoms and the cause of your allergy. It is best to limit your exposure to substances that cause allergic rhinitis. However, this is not always possible and medication may be required. In this article, we have written for you what you wonder about the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Information and Appointment Request Form
Drugs Used in Allergic Rhinitis
Various medications can be used to treat allergic rhinitis. Your allergist will determine which drug will be good for you. You may need to try a few different options before you find what works best.
Nasal corticosteroids
These nasal sprays help prevent and treat nasal congestion and itchy, runny nose caused by allergic rhinitis. For many people, nasal sprays are the most effective hay fever remedies and are often the first type of medication recommended. Nasal corticosteroids are a safe, long-term treatment for most people. Side effects may include an unpleasant odor or taste and nasal irritation. Steroid side effects from nasal spray are rare.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking a symptom-causing chemical (histamine) released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines can help with itching, sneezing and runny nose, but have less effect on congestion. These drugs are usually given as pills. However, there are also antihistamine nasal sprays that can relieve nasal symptoms. Antihistamine eye drops can help relieve eye itching and irritation. Common side effects of antihistamines are dry mouth, nose and eyes. Some oral antihistamines can make you drowsy. Other side effects of oral antihistamines include restlessness, headaches, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, and blood pressure and urination problems.
Decongestants
Decongestants reduce nasal congestion and pressure from swelling. They are sometimes combined with other medications, such as antihistamines, as they do not relieve other symptoms of hay fever. Decongestants are available as liquids, tablets, and nasal sprays. Oral decongestants can cause a number of side effects, including increased blood pressure, insomnia, irritability, and headaches. You may need to use a decongestant nasal spray for more than 2 to 3 days at a time. Using your symptoms longer than the duration may cause your symptoms to worsen and rebound.
Cromolyn Sodium
Cromolyn sodium can help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis by inhibiting the release of histamine. You may get more effective results if you start using this medicine before your symptoms appear.
Nasal Ipratropium
The spray, ipratropium, helps relieve a severe runny nose by preventing the glands in the nose from making too much mucus. It is not effective in treating congestion, itching, or sneezing. Mild side effects include dry nose, nosebleeds, dry and irritated eyes, and sore throat. Rarely, it can cause more serious side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty urinating.
Oral Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid pills are sometimes used to relieve severe allergy symptoms. They are usually prescribed for short periods of time, as long-term use of corticosteroids can cause serious side effects such as cataracts, osteoporosis, and muscle weakness.
Immunotherapy for Allergic Flu
Allergy vaccines, also called immunotherapy or desensitization therapy, change the way the immune system responds to allergens. If medications don’t relieve your symptoms or cause too many side effects, your allergist may recommend an allergy shot. In this treatment, you will receive regular vaccines (injections) containing very small amounts of allergens for 3 to 5 years. The goal is to familiarize your body with the allergens causing your symptoms and reduce your need for medication. Immunotherapy can be especially effective if you are allergic to pollen produced by trees, grasses or weeds, animal dander, dust mites.
Sublingual Allergy Tablets
Instead of getting the vaccine, you get small amounts of the allergen in pill form that dissolve in your mouth. The pills are usually taken daily. Sublingual allergy tablets will not work for all allergens, but may be helpful for grass and ragweed pollen and dust mites.
Saline Nasal Spray
Saline nasal sprays can moisten dry nasal passages and thin nasal mucus.
Nose Wash
Rinsing your nasal passages with saline (nasal wash) is a quick and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinsing clears mucus and allergens from your nose. Saline irrigation is a water-based solution containing a small amount of salt (sodium) and other ingredients. Saline irrigation solutions are available ready-made or in kits to add to water. Do not use tap water to prepare the saline irrigation solution, as it may contain organisms that can cause infection. Use distilled or sterile water. You can also use boiled and cooled water.
Can I Prevent Allergic Rhinitis?
There is no way to prevent allergic rhinitis, but lifestyle changes can help you live with allergies. You can relieve hay fever symptoms by avoiding irritants as much as possible. To reduce symptoms, you should:
Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose.
Close the windows in your home and car during the spring, summer, and early fall months when pollen counts are higher.
Cover pillows, mattresses, and your bed with allergen-proof covers.
Keep pets away from sofas and beds, and close the doors of rooms you don’t want them to enter.
Use filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets.
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when outside. Change your clothes as soon as you enter.
