Hayfever Treatments

A variety of hayfever treatments are available as tablets, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops to help reduce the symptoms. Most are available over the counter while others require a prescription. A combination of treatments is often beneficial, and a trial with several drugs may be required before an optimal treatment plan may be arrived at.

• Antihistamine nasal sprays, tablets or syrup treatments: Antihistamines counter the effects produced by histamines in the body. Dispensed in various forms, they may be taken as and when required or on a regular basis. Nasal sprays have a rapid onset of action, relieving symptoms within 15 minutes. Of the many varieties available, newer brands cause less drowsiness than the older class of antihistamines.

• Steroid nose sprays: These constitute the most effective form of treatment in patients with severe symptoms. Nasal symptoms such as itching, sneezing and congestion are eased as inflammation within the nose is reduced. To become fully effective, these sprays must be used for several days or even a few weeks.

• Decongestants: Also available as tablets, liquids and nasal sprays, decongestants are effective in relieving the discomfort of a blocked nose. However their use should be restricted to a few days, since prolonged use results in more severe ‘rebound’ congestion.

• Cromolyn sodium: Dispensed over the counter as a spray, this drug requires several daily applications. Generally considered safe, it is most effective before symptoms set in fully.

• Nasal atropine: Sold as a nasal spray on prescription, ipratropium bromide is useful in patients with troublesome runny noses.

• Eye Drops: Various types are available for providing relief from eye symptoms.

• Steroid tablets: These are prescribed only for a short duration to provide relief from severe symptoms. Long term use is associated with serious side effects and should be avoided.

• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy or desensitization therapy may be recommended by your doctor if drugs are ineffective in relieving your symptoms. You will be injected with small amounts of purified allergen extracts over a period of time, which will eventually desensitize you to specific allergens and reduce the need for medication. Immunotherapy against grass pollen allergy has shown promising results.

If you know when in the year you usually develop hay fever, you must begin treatment before the symptoms set in. Symptoms when fully established are more difficult to treat.