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are several different kinds of treatment for allergic rhinitis.
When possible, patients should try to avoid contact with allergens.
Keeping windows closed, keeping air conditioner filters clean
and using a clothes dryer (as opposed to hanging laundry to
dry) can help reduce exposure to pollen and other potential
airborne allergens.
The goal of treatment is to reduce allergy
symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues.
The best "treatment" is to avoid
what causes your allergic symptoms in the first place. (See
Prevention, below.) It may be impossible to completely avoid
all allergens to which you are sensitive, but you can often
take steps to reduce exposure.
Medication options include the following:
* Short-acting antihistamines, which are
generally over-the-counter (non-prescription), often relieve
mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. A pediatrician
should be consulted before using these medicines in children,
as they may affect learning. One formerly prescription medication,
loratadine (Claritin), is now available over the counter.
It does NOT tend to cause drowsiness or affect learning in
children.
* Longer-acting antihistamines cause less
drowsiness, can be equally effective, and usually do not interfere
with learning. These medications, which require a prescription,
include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
* Nasal corticosteroid sprays are very effective
and safe for people with symptoms not relieved by antihistamines
alone. These prescription medications include fluticasone
(Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort).
* Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing
symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used
for long periods.
* Cromolyn sodium is available as a nasal
spray (Nasalcrom) for treating hay fever. Eye drop versions
of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchy,
bloodshot eyes.
* Leukotriene inhibitors -- montelukast (Singulair)
is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma
and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
The most appropriate medication depends on
the type and severity of symptoms. Specific illnesses that
are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require
other treatments.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally
recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and if symptoms
are hard to control. This includes regular injections of the
allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly
larger than the previous dose) that may help the body adjust
to the antigen.
NON-MEDICATED TREATMENT
However 'natural' they may seem, patients
should be encouraged to provide information about any 'non
medicated' treatments (eg dietary supplements, herbs) they
are taking, as some can cause adverse side effects and interactions
with medications.
It is important to emphasise to patients that
alternative medicines have not been subjected to the rigorous
study of effectiveness and side effects that conventional
drugs undergo.
Steam and salt water (saline) sprays used
on a regular basis can help to relieve nasal blockage and
thick secretions.
Echinacea should be used with caution, particularly
in people who are allergic to pollen, as several adverse reactions
have been reported. Information on this be obtained on the
ASCIA website.
Seriousness
of Allergy Rhinitis | Perennial
Allergic Rhinitis |
Relieving
Toddler Nasal Congestion |
Non-Allergic
Rhinitis| Causes
of Allergic rhinitis| Treatment
of Allergic rhinitis|
History
of Allergic rhinitis| Abnormal
production of nasal secretions|
Allergic
Rhinitis in Children|
How
can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?|
What
are rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
|
