Treatment options for allergic rhinitis, from Harvard Men’s Health Watch

It’s easy to dismiss hay fever as a minor nuisance. But call it by its proper name, allergic rhinitis, and you’ll be on the way to recognizing it as a legitimate medical problem. Fortunately, it’s a problem that responds very well to treatment, reports the May 2009 issue of Harvard Men’s Health Watch.

Allergic rhinitis can be a pain. Its symptoms may include a stuffy, runny nose, sneezing and coughing, an itchy or sore throat, and itchy, burning, watery eyes. Seasonal allergic rhinitis comes and goes as various plants come into bloom. If your symptoms occur in the spring, you are probably allergic to tree pollen; in the summer, grass and weed pollens; in the late summer and fall, ragweed. Year-round symptoms usually indicate an allergy to dust mites, mold, animal dander, or other indoor allergens.

There are three strategies for keeping allergic rhinitis in check: avoiding triggers; easing symptoms with medications such as antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays, nasal steroid sprays, leukotriene blockers, and decongestants; and getting immunotherapy (allergy shots).

Harvard Men’s Health Watch notes some steps to take to help seasonal rhinitis:

• Limit your outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. If you have to do yard work, wear an N95 face mask. Shower, wash your hair, and change your clothes afterwards.
• Keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Use air conditioners instead of fans.

For year-round allergic rhinitis:

• Put pillows, box springs, and mattresses in sealed plastic covers to keep out dust mites. Wash bedding in hot water.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• If you have a dog or cat, bathe it weekly and keep it off the furniture.