Treatment of allergic rhinits or hay fever
Primary principles in the clinical management of allergic rhinitis include:
- Avoidance of allergens and triggering factors
- Appropriate pharmacotherapy
- Evaluation regarding need for and appropriate use of immunotherapy
- Patient education and follow-up
Avoidance of identified allergens is the most helpful factor in controlling allergy symptoms. If avoidance does not relieve the symptoms, additional treatment is needed. Antihistamines remain the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for allergic rhinitis.1 Decongestants help to control allergy symptoms but not the causes.
Currently available pharmacotherapeutic options include
Oral and topical (intranasal) decongestants and
Corticosteroids,
Mast cell stabilizers, and
Intranasal anticholinergics.
In addition to the pharmacologic treatment modalities, allergic rhinitis patients may also benefitted from palliative modes of treatment such as salt-water gargle to soothe the throat or steam inhalation through the nose for 10–15 min, two to four times daily.1
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Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 15, 2012