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Rhinitis, which occurs most commonly as allergic rhinitis, is an inflammation of the nasal
membranes that is characterized by sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and rhinorrhea, in
any combination.
CAUSES
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen and mold spores. Sources include:
Grass pollen
Tree pollen
Fungus, mold growing on dead leaves.
Pet dander
Dust and household mites
Cockroaches
Molds growing on wallpaper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery
Smoke
Smog
RISK FACTORS
The best way to control symptoms is to avoid exposure to the allergens that trigger them.
For seasonal allergic rhinitis, during days or seasons when airborne allergens are high:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines work by blocking the release of histamine in your body. They are available in
both oral and nasal spray forms, and as prescription drugs and over-the-counter remedies. Over-
the-counter antihistamines are short-acting and can relieve mild to moderate symptoms.
Decongestants
Many over-the-counter and prescription decongestants are available in pill or nasal spray form.
They are often used with antihistamines.
Oral and nasal decongestants include Sudafed, Actifed, Afrin, and Neo-Synephrine. Some
decongestants may contain pseudoephedrine, which can raise blood pressure. People with high
blood pressure or an enlarged prostate should not take drugs containing pseudoephedrine. Using
nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days can cause "rebound congestion," which makes
congestion worse. Avoid using nasal decongestant sprays for more than 3 days in a row unless
your doctor tells you to. DO NOT use them if you have emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
Nasal corticosteroids
Nasal corticosteroids are prescription sprays that reduce inflammation and help relieve sneezing,
itching, and runny nose. They include:
Beclomethasone (Beconase)
Fluticasone (Flonase)
Mometasone (Nasonex)
Triacinolone (Nasacort)
It may take a few days to a week of using these sprays to see improvement in symptoms.
Leukotriene modifiers
These prescription drugs block the production of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory chemicals
produced by the body. They are taken once a day and do not cause sleepiness. They are also used
to treat allergic asthma. Leukotriene modifiers include montelukast (Singulair) and zafirlukast
(Accolate).
This over-the-counter nasal spray prevents the release of histamine and helps relieve swelling
and runny nose. It works best when taken before symptoms start and may needed to be used
several times a day.
Nasal atropine
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent) is a prescription nasal spray that can help relieve a very runny
nose. People with glaucoma or an enlarged prostate should not use Atrovent.
Eye drops
Antihistamine eye drops relieve both nasal and eye symptoms. These include azelastine,
olopatadine, ketotifen, and levocabastine.
Decongestant eye drops include phenylephrine and naphazoline.
Other Treatments
Allergy shots or immunotherapy are often recommended to anyone 7 years and older who has
severe allergy symptoms or who also has asthma. Immunotherapy helps your immune system get
used to allergens through regular injections of small doses of an allergen over a long period of
time.
Nasal irrigation or nasal lavage can help reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis. One study found
that doing nasal irrigation three times a day reduced allergy symptoms after about 3 to 6 weeks.
To do nasal irrigation, you can use a neti pot, bulb syringe, or squeeze bottle to flush out nasal
passages with salt water.
Herbs
The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease.
However, herbs can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or
medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs only under the supervision of a health care
practitioner.
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus. 500 mg per day). Butterbur has been used traditionally to
treat asthma and bronchitis and to reduce mucus. Several scientific studies suggest it can
help with allergic rhinitis. One study of 125 people with hay fever found that an extract
of butterbur was as effective as Zyrtec. Another study compared butterbur to Allegra with
similar findings. However, both studies were small. So more research is needed.
Researchers do not know whether taking butterbur longer than 12 to 16 weeks is safe.
Butterbur can cause stomach upset, headache, and drowsiness. Pregnant and
breastfeeding women, and young children, should not take butterbur. If you take any
prescription medications, ask your doctor before taking butterbur. Only use butterbur
products from a reputable manufacturer under the guidance of your physician. Low
quality butterbur may contain potentially harmful toxins.
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica, 600 mg per day for one week). Stinging nettle has been
used traditionally for treating a variety of conditions, including allergic rhinitis. But
studies so far are lacking. Only one small study suggested that stinging nettle might help
relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Pregnant women and young children should not
take stinging nettle. Talk to your doctor before taking stinging nettle if you have diabetes
or if you take blood pressure medication, blood thinners, diuretics, water pills, lithium, or
other medications processed by the kidneys.
Tinospora cordifolia (300 mg three times per day). In one study, people with allergic
rhinitis who took a specific formulation of tinospora (Tinofend) for 8 weeks had many
fewer symptoms than those who took placebo. Some researchers questioned the results of
the study. More research is needed. People who have diabetes or an autoimmune disease,
such as rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn disease should not take tinospora. Pregnant or
breastfeeding women should not take it, either. Tinospora can interact negatively with
diabetes medications and drugs that suppress the immune system.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus, 160 mg two times per day). One preliminary
study suggested that a specific formulation of astragalus (Lectranal) standardized to
contain 40% polysaccharides reduced symptoms of allergic rhinitis including runny nose,
sneezing, and itching. People who have an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid
arthritis or Crohn disease, should not take astragalus without asking their doctor. People
who take lithium or drugs that suppress the immune system should not take astragalus.
Acupuncture
Some evidence suggests that acupuncture may help treat people with allergic rhinitis, although
not all studies agree. In one study of 45 people with hay fever, acupuncture worked as well as
antihistamines in improving symptoms and the effects seemed to last longer. However, a
controlled trial that compared acupuncture to placebo (sham acupuncture) found no real benefit.
One study suggested that combining acupuncture with traditional Chinese herbs did help relieve
symptoms.
Homeopathy
Although few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies,
professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of allergic
rhinitis symptoms based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy,
homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type, includes your physical, emotional,
and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when
determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.
Nux vomica. For stuffiness with nasal discharge, dry, ticklish, and scraping nasal
sensations with watery nasal discharge and a lot of sneezing. An appropriate person for
this remedy is irritable and impatient.
Arsenicum album. For stuffiness with copious, burning nasal discharge and violent
sneezing. An appropriate candidate for Arsenicum feels restless, anxious, and exhausted.
Allium cepa. For frequent sneezing, a lot of irritating nasal discharge and tearing eyes.
This candidate tends to feel thirsty.
Euphrasia. For nasal discharge, with stinging, irritating tears. A suitable person for this
remedy has worse nasal symptoms when lying down.
Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Can interact with sedatives, lithium, and
diabetes medications. May also interact with statins, used to lower cholesterol.
Ginkgo biloba. May increase risk of bleeding and bruising. May interact with
medications including blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as
Advil or Aleve), and Xanax.
Horny goat weed (Epimedium sagittatum). May interact with blood thinners and blood
pressure medications.
Schizandra chinensis. May interact with many medications.
Japanese apricot (Prunus mume). May interact with blood thinners.
Ledebouriella divaricata
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). May interact with lithium and drugs that
suppress the immune system.
Other Considerations
Using some nasal decongestant sprays for long periods of time can make allergic rhinitis worse.
Call your doctor if you develop severe symptoms, if treatment that helped before is no longer
working, or if symptoms do not get better with treatment.
Poorly controlled allergic rhinitis may lead to sleep problems, learning problems, and lost
productivity at work.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid:
DO NOT take tinospora cordifolia is you have diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as
rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn disease.
DO NOT take astragalus if you have an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or
Crohn disease. People who take lithium should not take astragalus.
Butterbur may interact with some medications that are processed by the liver. If you take any
prescription medications, ask your doctor before taking butterbur.
Skullcap can make you sleepy and should be used with caution. DO NOT use skullcap with
antihistamines that can make you drowsy.
Treatment
The best way to reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis is to prevent exposure to allergens.
Drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroid sprays may help control
allergy symptoms.
Some complementary and alternative therapies may also be used to treat the symptoms.
Your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, or "allergy shots." With this treatment, you
receive regular injections of an allergen, with each dose being slightly larger than the previous
dose. Your immune system should gradually get used to the allergen so that it no longer reacts to
it.
In addition, certain lifestyle and dietary changes may help prevent or improve symptoms of
allergic rhinitis.
Lifestyle
Although you cannot stay indoors during all pollen and ragweed seasons, avoiding peak
exposure times can help. Use your air conditioner in your home and car, and wear a dust mask
when working in the yard.
Although perennial allergic rhinitis is not a serious condition, it can interfere with your life.
Depending on how severe your symptoms are, allergic rhinitis can cause you to miss school or
work. Medication may cause drowsiness and other side effects. Your allergies could also trigger
other conditions, such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, and ear infection (otitis media). Seasonal
allergies may get better as you get older.
Immunotherapy or allergy shots may cause uncomfortable side effects, such as hives and rash.
Rarely, it may have dangerous side effects such as anaphylaxis. It usually works in about two-
thirds of cases, and may require years of treatment.
Prevention
The best way to control your symptoms is to avoid being exposed to the allergens that trigger
them.
If you have hay fever, during days or seasons when airborne allergens are high:
There is evidence to suggest that exposure to infections, farm animals, and even domestic pets
(like cats and dogs) during infancy and early childhood may reduce the risk of developing
allergic rhinitis later in life. One study even suggest that premature babies have a lower risk of
allergic rhinitis because of earlier exposure to pathogens.
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