Medical Cures or Treatment for Hay Fever

Hayfever affects millions and millions of people around the world. It causes annoying symptoms like an itchy throat, itchy eyes, runny nose, and watery eyes. There are now many cures, remedies, and treatment for it. In this article I will talk about the different medical cures for hay fever otherwise known as perennial (seasonal) allergic rhinitis

Antihistamines

These are the most popular over-the-counter cure. An example of this is the diphenhydramine Benadryl and the loratadine, Claritin. Antihistamines temporarily relieve symptoms of sneezing, runny nose, itchy throat, eyes, or ears. They work by getting rid of these chemicals called histamines that cause the allergic ailments. They are inexpensive but the effects don’t last long.

Decongestants

Decongestants are available in oral, eye drops, or nasal spray. An example of a decongestant is the pseudoephedrine, Sudafed. It’s better used combined with antihistamines. Be aware that using decongestant nasal sprays have been known to cause a rebound effect. When used for a long period of time, the decongestant may work but after a while, your nose becomes more blocked that when it was before using the nasal spray. This can be avoided by using it infrequently.

Corticosteroid Nasal Sprays

Examples of these are beclomethasone (Beconase), triamcinolone (Nasacort), and fluticasone (Flonase). They work very well for people suffering with nasal congestion. They do not cause drowsiness. Corticosteroids contain steroids but very little of it. It’s highly unlikely you will have any of the side effects from steroids although some people have had the side effect of nose bleeds.

Leukotriene Inhibitors

An example of a leukotriene inhibitor is Singulair. It is a prescribed medicine. Leukotriene Inhibitors block the chemical substance leukotriene that promotes the inflammatory response caused when you’re exposed to allergens. It is more effective when used with antihistamines. Also keep in mind that the chewable tablets contain aspartame so do not use it if you’re allergic.

Cromolyn Sodium

Cromolyn Sodium is available in aerosol, Nasalcrom, and in eye drops, Crolom. These aren’t as strong as corticosteroid nasal sprays and must be continually used daily to prevent the symptoms. It works by making the mucous membranes less sensitive to allergens.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy are given by an allergist. They can be either oral (Sublingual Immunotherapy) or injection. These work by giving you small amounts of the antigen that causes the hayfever reaction. They have found that injection immunotherapy have caused more side effects than oral immunotherapy. Oral immunotherapy is also less expensive and can be taken at home.

If taking some of the over-the-counter medications does not improve your symptoms, you should seek medical care. Also do this if you nasal secretions are thick, colored, or bloody, you have earache or ear discharge, a very high fever, difficulty breathing, or uncontrolled breathing.