Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Learn The Various Medications and Natural Cures For Hay Fever
Jul 26, 2009
Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever is often unavoidable and leads to a drastic decrease in quality of life. The following are the treaments available for allergic ha
Allergic rhinitis manifests itself differently in different people, and the symptoms may range from mild to very severe. Both allopathic treatments as well as natural remedies exist to deal with the syndrome.
Allopathic Treatments
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, one of the following treatments would be prescribed by your physician
- Oral anti-histamines : By far the most common of medications for hay fever, anti histamines reduce the levels of the inflammatory mediator histamine in our body, thereby decreasing sensitization and the symptoms of allergy. But one has to be careful while choosing the antihistamine. The first generation antihistamines (Benadryl) are known to cause drowsiness and must be avoided when the patient needs to actively work or drive after consuming it. Second generation antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and desloratadine (Clarinex) do not cause drowsiness and are currently the medication of choice. Loratadine (Claritin) is now available over the counter without a prescription. Advantages : Inexpensive, Quick acting, very few side effects
- Nasal steroids : If the symptoms of rhinitis are more severe around the nose, causing nasal congestion and sensitization, nasal steroids are the drug of choice. These are amongst the most effecicious of medications available. Steroids are available only on the presciption of a registered medical practitioner. Fluticasone (Flonase), Mometasone (Nasonex), , Flunisolide (Nasarel), and Beclomethasone (Beconase AQ) belong to this class. Advantages : Very quick acting, very efficacious Side effects : Mild nasal bleeding.
- Nasal Decongestants : These are symptomatic treatments for stuffy nose, and not for hay fever in particular. They usually work only if used before the allergy triggers. Common medications here include Cromolyn (NasalCrom), and Phenylephrine(Neo-Synephrine). Side effects : Should not be used more than 4 days at a stretch, should be used with caution in patients with cardiac problems.
- Leukotriene Blockers : Though Montelukast (Singulair) is meant for treating asthma, its been approved for hay fever as well. Its more efficient at treating nasal congestion than the symptoms of allergy. Recently, a combination of Montelukast with oral antihistamines has been lauched.
Natural Remedies
In many cases, use of allopathic drugs is not advisable. For mild cases of hay fever and as preventive measures, the following can be observed
- Include foods rich in Calcium (green leafy vegetables, milk, curd/yoghurt, soya milk) and Vitamin C (Citrus fruits, lemon, gooseberries).
- Honey contains minute amounts of pollen and regular consumption of a teaspoonful of honey for a couple of weeks before the hay fever season starts is proposed to develop our immunity, and reduce the unpleasant symptoms.
- Increased intake of onion and garlic is also beneficial
- Decreased consumption of wheat, refined sugars and caffeine helps control severity of the symptoms.
- Homoeopathic treatments like Nux Vomica and Gelsemium is available over the counter. You may also consult a homoeopathic practitioner for a more thorough treatment.
The copyright of the article Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis in Hayfever/Spring Allergies is owned by Jitesh Iyer. Permission to republish Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
