Reducing exposure
to the causes of airborne allergy is difficult; and to avoid
them completely is impossible. For most people who want to
take control of their allergic problem, the choice is some
sort of medicine.
There are several different types of medicine
currently available for the control and treatment of allergic
rhinitis.
These can be used alone or in combination to provide a broad
spectrum of relief from the distressing symptoms, and many
are available over-the-counter without prescription.
This section provides a brief outline of how these treatments
work, for a more in-depth description click on the learn
more link or go to Treatments in
depth >
Available treatments
There are several drug types currently available for the
treatment of allergic rhinitis. These can be used alone
or in combination in order to provide a broad spectrum
of relief from the distressing symptoms of allergic rhinitis:
First line and second line treatments
First line treatments are remedies that are usually sufficiently effective that they are used on their own to treat allergy as first choice therapy.
Second line treatments may also be used on their own to treat allergy-related symptoms, but are usually used when a first line treatment fails to provide sufficient control of symptoms. They are
frequently used in addition to first line treatments rather
than on their own.
First line treatments:
Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays >
Antihistamines >
Antihistamine sprays and drops >
Antihistamine/Decongestant combinations >
Second line treatments:
Decongestant sprays >
Decongestant tablets >
'Anti-allergic' nasal sprays or eye drops >
Other treatments
Desensitising injections >
Selected products >
Opinions on self treatment >
First line treatments are:
Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays act right across the complex
allergic process to provide more complete management of
hayfever and airborne allergy than antihistamines.
Learn more >
Selected products >
Antihistamines treat symptoms provoked by the effect of
histamine such
as sneezing, runny dripping nose, and itchy nose and
eyes. They have a limited effect on stuffed up groggy feeling.
Learn more >
Selected products >
Sprays and drops can be used to deliver the antihistamine
direct to where symptoms occur.
Learn more >
Treatments that counter
symptoms caused by histamine and
provide temporary relief from nasal congestion.
Learn more >
Second line treatments are:
Decongestant sprays work on blood vessels in the nose to
produce short-term relief from a stuffy nose.
Learn more >
Short courses of decongestants are often used to treat the
nasal congestion that occurs in allergic rhinitis.
Learn more >
This small group of medicines contains substances that help
prevent allergy symptoms
Learn more >
Other treatments:
A technique of 'vaccinating' against
allergy that should only be used in specialist clinics.
Learn more >
For a more in-depth explanation of how these treatments work
go to Treatments in depth >
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