What Are Allergic Rhinitis Treatments?

Allergic rhinitis is the technical name for allergies that cause congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes and all the other symptoms that are associated with seasonal allergies. Many people have mild allergic rhinitis, with common allergens including pet dander, dust mites, and pollen. Treatment of allergic rhinitis is pretty straight forward, depending on how severe the allergy is.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for allergic rhinitis, so treatment is aimed at minimizing symptoms and preventing complications from developing. The best treatment for allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes the problem, however with things like seasonal pollens this isn’t always possible.
Treatment for allergic rhinitis can be divided into long term and immediate types of treatment. People with mild allergic rhinitis are usually alright using an immediate treatment for symptoms such as over the counter medications. They can take the medications when symptoms start, or if they know they will be around the allergen, they can take the medicine ahead of time to prevent symptoms from developing.
For severe allergies, over the counter medication may not be enough. This is when long term treatments for allergic rhinitis become necessary. Long term treatments include allergy shots (immunotherapy) and nasal corticosteroid sprays.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy): allergy shots are used to try and get the body used to the allergens. Allergies happen when the immune system responds to an allergen as if it were a virus or a bacterium that needs to be fought off. Allergy shots introduce a small amount of the allergen into the body so the immune system can ‘get used to’ the allergen, which reduces symptoms. Allergy shots do not have a permanent effect, but can last for up to several years after the last shot.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays: nasal sprays with corticosteroids reduce the inflammation that causes most allergy symptoms. They take effect quickly, but it can be up to several weeks before a person gets the full benefit of the medication.