Allergic Rhinitis
Friday, June 4, 2004

We all seem to suffer from hay fever symptoms during the spring time.  What treatments are most effective to relieve our suffering.  Dr. Ken Davis discusses the various treatments in today’s Sixty Second Housecall.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects between 20 to 40 million Americans each year.  The total cost of treating hay fever may run as high as 7 billion dollars.

The best treatment is to avoid exposure.  If you need something for relief there are several choices.  These include:

· Oral decongestants such as Actifed

· Sedating antihistamines such as Benedryl or Atarax

· Non-sedating antihistamines, such as Allegra or Claritin

· Mast cell stabilizers

· Intra nasal steroids

· Leukotriene receptor antagonists

· Nasal anticholinergics, and

· Immunotherapy, with allergy shots. 

The antihistamines are recommended as first line treatment for mild intermittent symptoms.  They are
more effective when taken before you have the allergy symptoms.  For persistent or moderate to severe symptoms the intra nasal steroids may be more effective.  These include medications such as Rhinocort, Flonase, Nasonex, or Nasacort. 

Your pharmacist is a good source of information on these medications, since many can be bought over the counter.  Remember that all medications have side effects, so be sure to heed the warning labels.

        For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m, Dr. Ken Davis.