Test Your Knowledge

While there is no medication available that can cure allergic rhinitis, there are several types of medication available to address its symptoms.  Some medications are taken after the allergic reaction has occurred, to relieve symptoms. Others are taken regularly to accomplish one or more of the following:

• Prevent the onset of symptoms entirely
• Reduce the severity of symptoms when they occur
• Reduce the frequency of allergic reactions

Depending on the severity of a patient’s symptoms and other factors, a physician can create a customized treatment program. This can often involve a combination of medications, including:

• Antihistamines. Medications used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose and itchy and watery eyes. Antihistamines work by neutralizing the effect of histamines that are released in the bloodstream during an allergic reaction.
  
  Antihistamines can reduce symptoms when taken after the allergic reaction begins. However, they are most effective when taken 3 to 5 hours before coming into contact with an allergen – or on a regular basis. They can be taken as pills, liquids, nasal sprays, topical creams or eye drops. Short lasting, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines are commonly available, though stronger versions are available with a prescription.
  
  
• Corticosteroids. Medications used to reduce the inflammation associated with symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, sneezing and runny nose. Corticosteroids work by enhancing the body’s ability to counteract the swelling, inflammation and mucus secretions caused by an allergic reaction.
  
  Corticosteroids are most effective when taken on a daily basis, even when symptoms are not present. It often takes three to 10 days of treatment for this drug to reach full effect. Nasal corticosteroids (in the form of nasal spray) are the most effective method of delivery.
  
• Leukotriene modifiers. Medications used to prevent both allergic rhinitis symptoms and asthma-related symptoms. This form of treatment effectively disrupts the leukotrienes that the immune system produces during an allergic reaction. Leukotrienes are often involved with the constriction of airways in the lungs.
  
  Leukotriene modifiers are effective when used prior to an allergic reaction because they work to disrupt a specific chemical process in the allergic cascade, preventing some types of leukotriene from forming in the body. While these medications are primarily used in the prevention of asthma-related symptoms, some forms are finding increased use in the prevention of allergic rhinitis. They are taken daily or several times daily.
  
  Decongestants. Medications used to reduce nasal congestion, swelling and redness. Often prescribed in combination with antihistamines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, decongestants work by constricting swollen nasal tissues, which prevents fluid and mucus from forming.
  
  They are available both OTC and by prescription and can be taken as pills, nasal sprays or eye drops. However, people should avoid overusing OTC nasal spray decongestants for longer than three days because this can actually cause a rebound in symptoms.
  
  
• Allergy shots are one form of treatment that can prevent allergy symptoms from occurring for long periods of time. When using this type of immunotherapy, a person is gradually exposed to increasing amounts of a diluted allergen, administered through regular injections over a period of weeks, months or years. Eventually, a person builds up enough of a tolerance to the allergen that their symptoms are reduced (when encountering that particular allergen). The effectiveness of allergy shots varies from individual to individual. Allergy shots are usually reserved for patients who are unable to take or tolerate allergy medication, are unable to avoid allergen exposure or are unable to have their allergy symptoms adequately controlled by other methods.