Treatments for hay fever & rhinitis

Antihistamines

Antihistamines provide quick relief for symptoms such as the sneezes, 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. Clarityn (loratadine), Zirtek (cetirizine) and Semprex (acrivastine) are some examples, but there are many others.

Side effects

Newer antihistamines cause little if any sleepiness, but older types such as Piriton (chlorpheniramine) can make you drowsy. Don't take these older types if you are going to drive, operate machinery or sit an exam.

Hismanal (astemizole) and Triludan (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.

Side effects

Although side effects are rare, they must only be used for a few days at a time. If overused, they can lose their effect. This can lead to a need for bigger and bigger doses.

Preventer 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 hay fever and perennial rhinitis symptoms if used regularly each day. If you have hay fever, you should start using them a couple of weeks before the hay fever season starts.

Eye drops, nasal sprays and nose drops are available. Some contain a corticosteroid - for example, Flixonase (fluticasone), Beconase (beclomethasone) and Syntaris (flunisolide). Others contain sodium cromoglycate (for example, Rynacrom, Opticrom and Clariteyes). Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist as there are many others available.

How to take nasal sprays and drops

If you use a nasal spray, bend your head forwards to look at your feet before spraying one or two puffs into each nostril and breathing in slowly. If you use nasal drops, you need to bend right over so that your head is upside down. If in doubt, read the patient information leaflet that comes with the medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist to check that you are taking your medicine correctly.

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 this with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Remember – always read the label and do not exceed the stated dose.

How do I know which treatments to take?

If you have hay fever, early preventative treatment is the most effective. Visit your doctor or pharmacist well before the hay fever season starts. If your symptoms are mild, you may only need to take an antihistamine tablet when you have symptoms. If this is not enough to control the problem, you may need to use a preventer treatment as well.

Often the best way to control symptoms is to take a preventer nasal spray or drops together with an antihistamine tablet. Anti-allergy eye drops can be added and should be used regularly if you have symptoms affecting your eyes.

Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist. They will be able to advise you on which treatments are the best for you.

Do complementary treatments work?

Some people find that complementary therapies can help their hay fever or perennial rhinitis symptoms. However, there is little scientific evidence that they are effective when used on their own. If you want to try one of the many complementary treatments available, tell your doctor and do not stop taking your normal medication.