Treatments for seasonal and perennial rhinitis
There is no cure for either seasonal allergic rhinitis or perennial rhinitis. However, in most cases symptoms can be controlled effectively.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines provide quick relief for symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy throats. They work by stopping many of the effects of histamine - one of the chemicals the body releases during an allergic reaction. They come in tablets, capsules or as liquids. Loratadine, cetirizine and acrivastine are some examples, but there are many others.
Side effects: Newer antihistamines cause little if any sleepiness, but older types such as chlorpheniramine can make you drowsy. Do not take these older types if you are going to drive, operate machinery or sit an exam. Terfenadine may rarely react with other medicines (for example, antibiotics and even grapefruit juice) to produce possibly dangerous side effects. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Decongestant sprays
Decongestant sprays may be used occasionally to relieve stuffy or blocked noses. However, if you use them too often the symptoms come back (or 'rebound').
Side effects: Although side effects are rare, they must only be used for a few days at a time. If over-used, they can lose their effect. This can lead to a need for bigger doses.
Preventer/Controller treatments
Preventer treatments are used to prevent nose and eye symptoms developing in the first place. They do this by suppressing the allergic reaction in the nose and eyes. They are very effective at controlling seasonal and perennial rhinitis symptoms if used regularly each day. If you have seasonal allergic rhinitis, you should start using them a couple of weeks before the season starts.
Eye drops, nasal sprays and nose drops are available as a preventer/controller treatment. Some contain a corticosteroid (for example, beclomethasone, fluticasone, and flunisolide. Others contain sodium cromoglycate. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist, as there are many others available.
Side effects: Some preventer treatments contain a small amount of corticosteroid. They do not generally cause side effects. Some patients report irritation and occasionally nose bleeds. Other patients find that eye drops sting a little. If you need to take corticosteroids long-term, discuss with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Remember: always read the label and do not exceed the stated dose.
Treating asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis together
Doctors may prescribe steroid sprays inhaled through the nose and lungs to treat both asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis, as well as the medications mentioned above. Another option available for people with mild to moderate asthma and seasonal allergic rhinitis is a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) which is available on prescription. A LTRA blocks the action of naturally occurring chemicals in the lungs called leukotrienes – an underlying cause of allergy symptoms which can lead to inflammation in both upper and lower airways.
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