Allergic rhinitis

Alternative names:

hay fever

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is reduction of allergy symptoms.

Avoidance is the best treatment (see Prevention). Complete avoidance of environmental allergens may be impossible, but exposure may be minimized in many cases.

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine often provide good relief of mild to moderate symptoms. For people with severe or frequent hay fever symptoms, the health care provider may prescribe an antihistamine that is long-acting and less likely to cause drowsiness than over-the-counter antihistamines. Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion. Corticosteroids reduce the immune response and may be prescribed to reduce severe symptoms.

Other medications may vary depending on the type and severity of symptoms.

Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments.

Desensitization (immunotherapy, "allergy shots") is occasionally recommended. It includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may "acclimatize" the body to the antigen.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most allergies are readily treated. However, treatment only affects that exposure, so subsequent exposures will cause another allergic reaction.

Rarely, people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance has provoked an allergic reaction it continues to affect the person.

Desensitization may cause uncomfortable side effects (such as hives and rash) and may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It often requires years of treatment and is effective in about two-thirds of cases.

Complications:

• discomfort during the allergic reaction
• disruption of lifestyle (rare)
• drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
• side effects of other medications (See the specific medication.)
• anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if severe symptoms of hay fever occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment.