This section provides a more in-depth description of the available treatments outlined in the treatment section. If you want to return to the summary of treatment options click here.
First line treatments:
Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays >
Antihistamines
Antihistamine/Decongestant combinations >
Antihistamine sprays and drops >
Second line treatments:
‘Anti-allergic’ eye drops >
Other treatments
Desensitising injections >
Selected products >
Opinions on self treatment >
First line treatments:
 
The body manufactures a natural anti-inflammatory substance called cortisol. The corticosteroids used in nasal sprays are based on this natural substance but are chemically modified to make them more suitable for use in treating airborne allergy.
| • |
They are very effective so that only tiny doses are needed. |
| • |
They are designed to be metabolised quickly. This means that, after they have done their work in the nose, the body rapidly breaks them down into inactive substances. |
When applied directly to the nose where allergic reactions start, anti-inflammatory
nasal sprays are highly effective and have few side effects. Apart
from a chemical similarity, the anti-inflammatory nasal sprays used to treat
nasal allergy have no connection with other sorts of steroids.
No treatment is more effective in relieving symptoms in the nose. Because they act at several points in the allergic process, anti-inflammatory nasal sprays are more effective at clearing a blocked nose than antihistamines.
Selected products >
Return to treatment summaries >
Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays work best when they have the opportunity
to stop the build-up of inflammation in the nose. To get maximum benefit
from a anti-inflammatory nasal spray, start using regularly two to
three days before you expect your hayfever season to start. Keep an eye on
pollen reports and forecasts to help you determine when this will be. Pollen
count reports on the television may help you predict this.
Selected products >
Return to treatment summaries >
Back to top >
Antihistamines work
best to control symptoms that are a direct result of histamine release – sneezing, runny and itchy nose. However, other parts of the allergic process
are not directly related to histamine. Antihistamines, therefore, are
less effective than some other treatments in controlling nasal
congestion and the blocked-up groggy feeling.
Older types of antihistamines can cause drowsiness in some people. This can be an advantage if the allergy is troublesome at night and is disturbing sleep. For most people, however, doctors usually use newer non-sedating antihistamines. Antihistamines can be bought over-the-counter from a pharmacy.
Selected products >
Return to treatment summaries >
Back to top >
Antihistamine combined with decongestant provides symptomatic relief.
Return to treatment summaries>
Back to top>
These can be useful in rapidly reducing nasal itching, sneezing and watering. They work within 15 minutes or so, but are not so good at easing congestion. Antihistamine sprays and drops can help relieve localised symptoms where they are applied. They work on the early phase symptoms but can be less effective at managing the blocked up, groggy feeling associated with hayfever and allergy.
Return to treatment summaries >
Back to top >
Second line treatments:
Cromones such
as cromoglicate and nedocromil stabilise mast cells, reducing the release
of histamine by these cells that follows an encounter with an allergen.
They are used to prevent or treat hayfever eye symptoms. Cromones
have a good safety profile and so can be used in young children or in
women during pregnancy.
Overall, these medicines are less effective than antihistamines and anti-inflammatory nasal sprays. Nevertheless, cromone eye drops are very useful for protecting against itchy eyes. They only have a short duration of action and need to be used several times a day.
Return to treatment summaries >
Back to top >
Other treatments
As well as the treatments mentioned here, there are others that are available only from your doctor:
Repeated exposure to whatever causes the allergy can reduce the response. It’s like being vaccinated against an allergy. This treatment is usually reserved for the most severe cases on the advice of the GP. Because of the possibility of a sever allergic reaction following desensitising injections, the treatment is usually administered in specialist clinics.
Return to treatment summaries >
Back to top > |
