Hay Fever Treatments

Treatment

The most effective way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen. Since this can sometimes be difficult or impossible, other treatments are available.

Treatments may include:

Medications

Antihistamines—stop the interaction between histmamine and the receptors; block the action of histmaine; usually taken as pills or syrup
Decongestants—decrease congestion by constricting blood vessels, taken as pills or as a nasal spray; use of the nasal spray may lead to rebound congestion
Mast cell inhibitors—nasal sprays that interfere with the chemical reactions leading to histamine release
Topical corticosteroids—nasal sprays that decrease swelling in the nasal passages

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) and Sublingual Therapy

With immunotherapy, very small amounts of allergens are injected over weeks, months, or even years. The goal is to make your body's immune system less sensitive to those allergens.

There's another, similar type of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy . It involves placing small amounts of allergens under the tongue. This treatment is more popular in Europe. While it has shown to reduce symptoms in some studies, more research is needed. *¹

If you are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, follow your doctor's instructions .

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.