Allergic Rhinitis Treatments

Allergic rhinitis is an overreaction from the immune system from particles in the air often called hay fever. Some symptoms are stuffy, runny, and itchy nose. Watery eyes, loss of smell, and fatigue are other symptoms you may see from allergic rhinitis.

There are many substances that can aggravate allergic rhinitis. Animal dander, pollen, molds, and some dust mites can be a cause of the symptoms. Many environmental factors can also be catalysts.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis can come on three forms. Avoiding the allergens, using a prescription, or allergy shots. Below is a brief description of each of these treatments.

1) Avoiding the allergens: Avoiding the allergens can be the most inexpensive way to treat he symptoms of allergic rhinitis but for some can be very difficult. The first step is to determine your triggers. This can be as simple as guess and check. Making a logbook of when your symptoms appear can be an easy way to determine your triggers. For example if your symptoms appear after you played with your dog, pet dander could possibly be the cause. Once you think you have discovered a trigger you can look up ways to diminish that trigger from your household or you lifestyle. Keep repeating this step until all triggers you can find are exposed.

2) Medication (prescription and over the counter): Many over the counter drugs are available to counter the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines, decongestants, and eye drops. These can be very effective treatments for some sufferers of allergic rhinitis but for some these may not be enough. For those sufferers prescription drugs may be the answer. Prescription strength of the above medicines can help severe sufferers of allergic rhinitis. In severe cases a corticosteroid can be administered for a short period of time either in pill or injected form. This method cannot be taken for more than 3-10 days as it can have severe side effects.

3) Allergy Shots: If the above treatments do not work or the side affects are too severe allergy shots may be the answer to your allergic rhinitis. This immunotherapy is administered by injection and gives a small amount of the allergen to let your body get used to the specific allergen. These shots are typically administered on a monthly basis and can become very expensive.

Allergic rhinitis can be a terrible illness to live with but there are many ways in which you can relieve or even eliminate the symptoms. E patient and always consult a doctor for any treatment.