Suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms? Try these treatments!
Let's talk allergic rhinitis treatment options.
So you've implemented home modifications, but you're still suffering from allergic rhinitis symptoms. You're not alone! Allergies affect more than 50 million Americans and are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
I'll always advocate for avoidance, elimination, lifestyle change, etc. where possible. But when these efforts are not possible or fail, then various treatment options are available.
As an allergy sufferer, the symptoms are not fun. I'd much rather treat preemptively than feel miserable with itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sore throat. The inflammation of nasal and throat passages also makes you more prone to acute upper respiratory infections since this is where pathogens are inhaled and replicate to cause illness in the body.
When it comes to treating allergic rhinitis or hay fever, there are shelves filled with products promising relief. Even as a medical professional, the aisle that contains these products can seem overwhelming.
As with most other things, I believe less is more. I prefer to use and recommend single products in steps if needed as opposed to combination products for a few reasons:
1. to ensure you tolerate the treatment - if you develop an allergy or adverse effect, then you know the exact culprit.
2. to be able to tell what is or isn't effective - again, hard to tell with multiple medications on board.
3. to make side effects less likely - the more medications you take, the more likely you might experience an unwanted effect such as drowsiness.
4. To avoid overusing certain medications. For example, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is added to a lot of combination products. If you don't realize this and also take Tylenol separately, then you could be in danger of toxicity including liver injury.
Let's look at some allergic rhinitis treatment options from least to most invasive.
Saline Nasal Irrigation (SNI)
Think neti pot (commissions earned). Some sources believe SNI systems are the most effective treatment option for reducing allergy symptoms (New York Times article), but not everyone tolerates them. SNI systems clear the nasal passages of allergens and mucus. SNI systems such as neti pots are considered safe and side effect free if used correctly. DO NOT USE UNTREATED TAP WATER IN SNI SYSTEMS! Some tap water contains bacteria and/or amoeba that can lead to infections. Instead, opt for distilled water or water that has been boiled then cooled (commissions earned). Filtered water is also acceptable, but check the FDA guidelines to ensure your filter is adequate.
Intranasal sprays
Try saline for dryness and/or flonase to reduce inflammation. If medicated product(s) must be used, some parties prefer intranasal steroids such as Flonase since a concentrated dose is delivered directly to the problem area. This reduces the potential for systemic side effects.
I have to include a warning here for the intranasal product Afrin (commissions earned). DO NOT USE AFRIN FOR MORE THAN THREE DAYS AS IT CAN CAUSE REBOUND CONGESTION.
Antihistamines
Histamine is released by the body in response to allergens, causing inflammation and hallmark allergic rhinitis symptoms. There are non-drowsy formulations that are best used during the day as well as options with the potential to cause drowsiness best used at night.
Non-drowsy options include Allegra (Fexofenadine), Claritin (Loratadine) and Zyrtec (Cetirizine) (commissions earned). Over the past decade of my career as a physician assistant, it seems that the consensus is Zyrtec > Allergra > Zyrtec.
This is a subjective order based on personal experience, client and colleague reports. Supposedly, they all work similarly. My advice is to get travel sized bottles initially until you find which one works best for you.
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) has the potential to cause drowsiness or sedation, and should be taken at night (commissions earned). If you're an allergy sufferer who also has difficulty sleeping, then this is a great opportunity to use one medication to address two problems.
Leukotriene Modifier
If nonpharmacologic and over-the-counter interventions fail to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms, then you may be a candidate for Singulair (Monteleukast). You will have to see a healthcare provider as Singular requires a prescription.
Like histamine, leukotrienes are chemicals released by the body when it comes in contact with an allergen and causes allergy symptoms such as cough, increased mucus production, inflammation and swelling, chest tightness and shortness of breath (Cleveland Clinic).
Singulair also reduces asthma symptoms. Asthma and allergy symptoms tend to be comorbid conditions, so this is another opportunity to use one medication to improve multiple conditions.
Immunotherapy
If all else fails, then you may be a candidate for immunotherapy or allergy shots. This intervention involves repeated exposure to the allergen inducing allergy symptoms. The shots would start with small amounts of allergen(s) and increase over time.
The goal is to inject just enough allergen(s) to trigger a response from your immune system, but not enough to cause a full blown allergic reaction. Ultimately, your body should become desensitized or build tolerance to the allergens and allergy symptoms should subside over time (Mayo Clinic).
Summary
Do you experience allergic rhinitis symptoms? How do you keep them under control?
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Oh gosh, the allergies can be bad now. I usually get a lot of headaches and those I find are the hardest to treat. I've taken anti-histamine products like Reactine and they sometimes help. I haven't tried Leukotriene Modifiers or allergy shots though. I might need to look into them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your feedback! I have allergies and asthma. Adding Singulair (Montelukast) made such a difference. I have less symptoms, and don't need my rescue inhaler as often. Singulair is the only leukotriene modifier that's FDA approved for both allergy and asthma symptoms :)
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