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-thecounter
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.