Nasal Allergy (Allergic Rhinitis) Treatment and Medications
Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter medications to help treat your symptoms. Such medications include:
Antihistamine pills and nasal sprays block histamine, a chemical your body releases in response to an allergen. Antihistamines help block many rhinitis symptoms, including itching, sneezing and runny nose, but they aren’t as helpful for treating nasal congestion as some other medications. Older (“first generation”) antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are available without prescription but can cause drowsiness. Some nonsedating antihistamines, like Claritin and Zyrtec, are now available as over-the-counter medications, too. (Claritin is also available as the generic form, loratadine.) Other nonsedating antihistamines are available by prescription from your doctor. Itchy eyes can be helped by antihistamine eye drops, also available by prescription.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays directly treat inflammation in the nose and also improve all symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including itching, sneezing, runny nose and congestion. If nasal congestion is your major symptom, nasal corticosteroid sprays are the type of medication most commonly prescribed.
Leukotriene receptor antagonists are pills that block the action of leukotrienes, another type of chemical that your body releases in response to allergies. These medicines may help reduce your symptoms.
Decongestant pills or sprays can help with a stuffy nose. Remember, though, it is very important not to use decongestant nasal sprays more often or for more days than your doctor recommends. If you do, you may actually cause your nose to get stuffy all the time.
Allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) may be recommended by your doctor. These injections contain small amounts of the things that you are allergic to, for example, a certain type of tree pollen. Your immune system learns to tolerate these substances and, over time, your allergy symptoms, including rhinitis, lessen so you need less medication.
Learn about allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
This information has been approved by Harold Nelson, MD (March 2008).
