Treatment for allergic rhinitis consists of avoiding the specific allergens that cause your symptoms, using medicines to control symptoms, and, in severe cases, getting allergy shots (immunotherapy). You are more likely to need daily treatment if you have symptoms throughout the year. But if you have allergies during a certain season, you may only need daily treatment at that time.

Because allergic rhinitis cannot be cured and may be frustrating to treat, people may try alternative treatment methods, such as homeopathy. But most of these treatments either have not been studied or have not been proven to work. Such treatments may be expensive, and some can be dangerous to your health.

Avoiding allergens

It is important to avoid allergens that are causing your symptoms. By doing this, you may be able to reduce your allergy symptoms, manage them without medicine or with fewer medicines, and reduce your risk of developing complications such as sinusitis. For more information, see:

Controlling indoor allergens.

Avoiding outdoor allergens.

Self-treatment

Some people begin using over-the-counter medicines for allergic rhinitis before they see their doctors. These medicines can work well. But people with other medical problems, older adults, children, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding, and people with more than occasional mild symptoms should see a doctor before beginning self-treatment.

Pregnant women and children

Your symptoms may be worse if you are pregnant. Although you and the baby (fetus) are not in danger, allergic rhinitis may make asthma and sinusitis worse. If possible, do not use medicine for at least the first 3 months of your pregnancy. If you feel you need the medicine, talk to your doctor. If you become pregnant and are already taking allergy shots (immunotherapy), you may continue them, but don't start allergy shots if you are pregnant.

Treatment for children who have allergic rhinitis is much the same as for adults who have allergies. Treating children with medicine may be more difficult because of the possible side effects. Some medicines also may not be approved to treat children.

Initial and ongoing treatment

Treatment for allergic rhinitis usually starts with over-the-counter medicines. These include antihistamines, decongestants, and eyedrops to relieve symptoms.

If over-the-counter medicines don't work or they cause bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness or decreased coordination, your doctor may prescribe medicine. These include:

• Antihistamines that don't make you sleepy (non-sedating). They generally are very effective at relieving sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. You can take them with an over-the-counter decongestant to relieve a stuffy nose.
• Eyedrops, if you have redness, itching, and watery eyes. Eyedrops can be prescription or over-the-counter and may contain an antihistamine or decongestant.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays, which you may use with antihistamines. These sprays may reduce all symptoms of allergic rhinitis and are thought to be the most effective treatment for most people. They start working quickly, but it may be several weeks before you get the full effect.