The goal of treating allergic rhinitis is to reduce allergy symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues.

The best "treatment" is to avoid what causes the allergic symptoms in the first place. (See Prevention, below.) It may be impossible to completely avoid all allergens to which you are sensitive, but you can often take steps to reduce exposure.

Medication options include the following:

• Short-acting antihistamines, which are generally over-the-counter (non-prescription), often relieve mild to moderate symptoms but can cause drowsiness. A pediatrician should be consulting before using these medicines in children as they may affect learning. One formerly prescription medication, loratadine (Claritin), is now available over the counter. It does NOT tend to cause drowsiness or affect learning in children.
• Longer-acting antihistamines cause less drowsiness and can be equally effective, and usually do not interfere with learning. These medications, which require a prescription, include fexofenadine (Allegra), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and desloratadine (Clarinex).
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays are very effective and safe for people with symptoms not relieved by antihistamines alone. These prescription medications include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort).
• Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but should not be used for long periods.
• Cromolyn sodium is available as a nasal spray (Nasalcrom) for treating hay fever. Eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchy or bloodshot eyes.
• Leukotriene Inhibitors -- montelukast (Singulair) is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

The most appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and symptoms are hard to control. Immunotherapy includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may help the body adjust to the antigen. As mold, animal, and dust avoidance are more feasible than avoiding outdoor pollens, allergy shots are less commonly prescribed for these types of allergies.

Most symptoms of allergies to mold, dander, and dust can be readily treated, and regular treatment can minimize the symptoms.

In some cases (particularly in children), people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance causes allergies for an individual, it can continue to affect the person long term.

People who are allergic to mold may also be allergic to penicillin, which is derived from a variety of mold. They may also be allergic to blue cheese, which is an ingredient of some salad dressings.

As noted earlier, the most severe cases of allergic rhinitis from these allergens may require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose (e.g., nasal polyps) or sinuses.

• frequent ear infections (otitis media) in children
• drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
• side effects of other medications (see the specific medication)
• sinusitis and/or nasal polyps
• hives or other skin rashes
• anaphylaxis (a rare but severe allergic reaction)
• disruption of lifestyle
• children may breathe through the mouth instead of the nose, with resultant facial changes

Call your health care provider if severe symptoms of allergy occur, if previously successful treatment has become ineffective, or if symptoms do not respond to treatment.