Overview of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a common, chronic condition caused by an allergy to airborne particles such as dust, pollen, animal dander, or mold. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, itchy eyes, and nasal itching. People with allergic rhinitis may also experience difficulty sleeping, fatigue, headaches, and a decreased sense of smell.
Medications for Allergic Rhinitis
There are several medications available to treat allergic rhinitis. These include:
Antihistamines: Antihistamines are the most common medications used to treat allergic rhinitis. They work by blocking the release of histamines, which are responsible for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Common antihistamines include cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra).
Decongestants: Decongestants work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nose, making it easier to breathe. Common decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and phenylephrine (Sudafed PE).
Nasal Corticosteroids: Nasal corticosteroids are medications that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. They are usually taken as nasal sprays, such as fluticasone (Flonase), ciclesonide (Omnaris), and mometasone (Nasonex).
Leukotriene Modifiers: Leukotriene modifiers work by blocking the action of leukotrienes, which are responsible for inflammation in the nasal passages. Common leukotriene modifiers include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast (Accolate).
Other Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis
In addition to medications, other treatments can be used to manage allergic rhinitis. These include:
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, or allergy shots, may be used to desensitize a person to the allergens causing their allergic rhinitis.
Saline Nasal Irrigation: Saline nasal irrigation is a technique used to irrigate the nasal passages with a salt water solution. This can help to reduce inflammation and relieve congestion.
Environmental Control: Taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, or animal dander can help to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Conclusion
Allergic rhinitis is a common, chronic condition caused by an allergy to airborne particles such as dust, pollen, animal dander, or mold. Treatment for allergic rhinitis consists of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and leukotriene modifiers. Other treatments such as immunotherapy, saline nasal irrigation, and environmental control can also be used to manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
