(Hay Fever)
 |
print the page |  |
email the page |  |
|
- What is allergic rhinitis?
- Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Causes of allergic rhinitis
- Prevention of allergic rhinitis
- Risk factors for allergic rhinitis
- Complications of allergic rhinitis
- When to see a doctor about allergic rhinitis
- Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
- Conventional treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Living with allergic rhinitis
- Caring for someone with allergic rhinitis
Conventional treatment of allergic rhinitis
Conventional treatment for allergic rhinitis involves a combination of strategies - using both prevention to remove yourself from contact with the allergen, together with medications that stem the allergic reaction:
Prevention - reduce exposure to allergen
- Avoid the allergen(s) - keep your home free from the allergic triggers (dust, animal fur, chemicals)
- If you have pollen/grass allergies and have to go outside, take a shower as soon as you get home to get rid of the allergens from your body
- Wear protective "wrap around" sunglasses, which wrap all the way around the eyes to prevent allergic eyes
- Keep windows closed during the day to keep out pollens, dust and other particles
- Try to stay home on days which are especially windy as this may exacerbate symptoms to a high level
Advertisement
Medication
There are a number of different types of medications used to remedy the different types of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis:
- Antihistamine tablets - there are many non-sedating medications that control itching, sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. There are also older antihistamine medications which are sedating, but work equally as effectively as the non-sedating medication, but they can prevent you from operating machinery and driving
- Medicated eye drops - these types of eye drops help to stop the itchiness symptoms from the eyes
- Nasal spray - there are nasal sprays which contain corticosteroid medication that decongests the nasal passages to be able to breath properly through the nose. These medications can only be taken for a short term, as they can cause reverse side effects - they can make the initial symptoms come back even worse than before if used for too long. The packaging of steroid nasal sprays now advises only short term use to prevent worsening of symptoms
- Oral decongestants - these medications, that contain the drug pseudoephedrine, open up the nasal blockages by deconstricting blood vessels in the nasal membranes, reduce inflammation in the nasal membranes and reduce congestion from mucous to help ease breathing
- Oral steroids - these medications are useful to control the symptoms of severe allergic rhinitis, especially in case of emergency, where life may be threatened due to severe symptoms (inability to breath properly, major mucous congestion), but should not be used for long periods. Common examples are: prednisone. This medication should be avoided in certain people and they cause a number of side effects
People intending to take any medications should be aware of the potential side effects of those medications.
Advertisement
Sections: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12
< 8: diagnosis 10: alternative treatment > Last reviewed: 21 September 2007 || Last updated: 9 January 2009
Related Articles
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
