The Ayurvedic herbs discussed may have anti-histamine effects similar to those found in conventional anti-histamines. Anti-histamines reduce allergic symptoms by controlling the substances (histamines) that trigger allergic responses.
Ayurveda is a complex, multi-faceted healing tradition, and patients are treated based not on single diagnoses, but on their unique experience of health challenges. More comprehensive Ayurvedic treatments for allergic rhinitis, which might include dietary modification and other methods, probably work through a variety of mechanisms that help restore balance to the patient's body, mind and spirit.
Nasal corticosteroids are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to help relieve the stuffy nose and discomfort of allergies.
Once a definite diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is made, the first-line treatment of choice is nasal corticosteroid spray. Nasal (topical) corticosteroids for allergic rhinitis come in the form of nasal sprays that decrease swelling in the nasal passages.
Common names include:
Saline nasal sprays, such as Salinex, are simple decongestants. They contain a saltwater solution to rinse your nose and help relieve mild congestion, loosen mucus, and prevent crusting. Though saline sprays can be useful for relieving symptoms of allergic rhinitis and have no side effects, saline can't prevent allergy symptoms from occurring, as some other allergy treatments can. (Preventive treatments include allergy shots [immunotherapy], antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and leukotriene inhibitors, as well as some natural treatments.)
A common symptom of allergic rhinitis is congestion. Oral decongestants can reduce congestion, making it easier for you to breathe and less likely that you will develop an infection (such as sinusitis).
Common brand names include:
Decongestants are also available in the form of nasal sprays.
Decongestants help to narrow the blood vessels, which results in a clearing of nasal congestion. Antihistamines help stop or reduce the production of histamine, a chemical that is released when the immune system reacts to an allergen.
Decongestants and antihistamines complement each other well in allergic rhinitis treatment and are combined in some prescription medicines, including:
Decongestants and antihistamines complement each other well in allergic rhinitis treatment and are combined in some prescription medicines, including:
A common symptom of allergic rhinitis is congestion. Nasal decongestant sprays, also known as topical decongestants, can reduce congestion, making it easier for you to breathe and less likely that you will develop an infection (such as sinusitis).
Common brand names include:
Decongestants can also be taken in oral form.
Cromolyn changes the body's immunological response to allergens, possibly preventing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Mast cell inhibitors for allergic rhinitis come in the form of nasal sprays that have anti-histamine effects. Intal (cromolyn sodium) is an example of a mast cell inhibitor, and it is unique because it can be used to prevent symptoms from developing.
Singulair works by decreasing how many leukotrienes (chemicals) the body creates in response to an allergen, thereby preventing symptoms from developing.
Like the mast cell stabilizers, leukotrine inhibitors are used to prevent some of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Montelukast (Singulair) is a common leukotrine inhibitor.
Once your injections are at maintenance level, the frequency of injections will be reduced to every 2-4 weeks. Your doctor may monitor your immune response periodically with skin testing. Treatment will continue for 3-5 years until your allergic rhinitis symptoms have been significantly reduced or eliminated.
Once your injections are at maintenance level, the frequency of injections will be reduced to every 2-4 weeks. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and may do skin testing. Treatment will continue for 3-5 years until your allergic response has been significantly reduced or eliminated.
Immunotherapy is a treatment program that will take 3-5 years to complete. If you are considering this form of treatment, you will need to make a commitment to receive these injections on a regular schedule. If you miss one or more treatments, there is a risk that your allergen immunity will be compromised, and you may need to begin the process again.
The purpose of immunotherapy is to decrease or eliminate your response to a particular allergen or group of allergens. This is done by injecting a very tiny extract of the allergen into the skin, and increasing the dose very gradually at regular intervals until the immune response to that allergen is decreased or eliminated. When you are exposed to an allergen in this way, your body begins to make some protective antibodies. Since the allergen dose starts out very small, you do not experience the usual symptoms despite exposure to the allergen.
With immunotherapy, commonly known as "allergy shots," very small amounts of allergens are injected over weeks, months, or even years. The goal is to make your body's immune system less sensitive to those allergens.
Immunotherapy is often recommended for people who have developed severe side effects from medicine, or whose allergy symptoms do not respond well to medicine. It may also be helpful for people who have frequent, unavoidable exposure to allergens. Studies have shown that immunotherapy is effective in over 85% of people who receive the treatment consistently.
More alternative versions of immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis include sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and e nzyme enzyme potentiated desensitization (EPD).
There are no guidelines for reducing your risk of allergic rhinitis because it is not fully understood why some people develop allergic reactions to certain substances while others do not.
But researchers are studying to see if mothers can reduce allergies in their children by taking certain measures during pregnancy. For example, not having pets may help reduce wheezing in babies prone to allergies. For adults, closely following the Mediterranean diet may offer some protection from allergic rhinitis. More research needs to be done before any recommendations for reducing the risk of allergic rhinitis can be made.
Your doctor or allergist will begin by taking a detailed medical history, which will include questions about your lifestyle, eating habits, family and medical history, and medication use. To establish an allergic rhinitis diagnosis, your doctor will also do a physical exam and will check inside your nose for signs of inflammation. Then, the health care professional can put in place a treatment plan for the allergic rhinitis.
Testing for allergic rhinitis may include:
