Medication Treatment for Hay Fever

Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis that occurs seasonally when those who are susceptible inhale outdoor allergens, such as pollen (from trees, grasses, or weeds), dust, dander, and mold. The immune system reacts to the allergen, and the body releases substances, such as histamine, that cause allergic symptoms. Allergy symptoms include itching, sneezing, congestion, coughing, headache, and sore throat. Symptoms typically first occur in young school-aged children and young adults.

A variety of medications are available for treatment of the symptoms. Glucocorticoid nasal sprays include fluticasone (Flonase), beclomethasone (Beconase AQ), and mometasone (Nasonex) decrease or stop the immune response to allergens. Cetirizine (Zyrtec) and Loratadine (Claritin) are antihistamines that are available over-the-counter and do not cause drowsiness. They are also available in combination with the decongestant pseudoephedrine. Azelastine (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase) are prescription antihistamine nasal sprays that work to reduce inflammation and nasal congestion. Montelukast (Singulair) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist, which works to relieve allergy symptoms by decreasing the amount of leukotrienes produced by the body.





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