The main treatment for allergies is to avoid the exposures that trigger your symptoms. But avoidance is not always easy, and in some cases may be impossible. The first question to ask about treatment is: "Is it necessary?"
Remember that treatment reduces the allergic symptoms, but symptoms are signs of the immune system's defense against the allergen.
In other words, even though the inflammation and other symptoms associated with allergic reactions are uncomfortable, they are not "bad." They show the body is working on the problem.
That's why before medicating yourself, ask yourself: "Can I live with these symptoms?"
If so, consider just letting the body do its work without interfering. Decongestants provide relief from nasal congestion. However, the decongestant effect diminishes over time and, if used for too long, they can cause a worsening of congestion, a so-called "rebound congestion."
When medication is needed, there are two types currently available for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. These are called first line and second line treatments.
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- First line treatments are remedies that are sufficiently effective that they are used on their own to treat allergy as first choice therapy. Examples are:
- Anti-inflammatory nasal sprays
- Antihistamines
- Antihistamine sprays and drops
- Antihistamine/Decongestant combinations
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- Second line treatments are used when a first-line treatment fails to provide sufficient control of symptoms. They are frequently used in addition to first line treatments rather than on their own. Examples are:
- Decongestant sprays
- Decongestant tablets
- 'Anti-allergic' nasal sprays or eye drops
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