Symptoms of Seasonal and Perennial Nasal Allergies

• If you suffer from nasal allergies, you're among the 40 million other Americans (see Resources) who also battle symptoms such as runny nasal discharge, congestion, watery red eyes, sneezing and itchy nose and ear discomfort. Also known as allergic rhinitis, nasal allergies fall into two categories: season and perennial. While season nasal allergies (hay fever) only occur in the springtime when trees, flowers and plants bloom, perennial nasal allergies are all year. Both types are challenging, however relief can be found by devising a plan with your doctor to keep symptoms under control.
  
  

Antihistimines and Decongestants

• Antihistamines can block the effect of histamine and offer some relief from symptoms such as sneezing, nasal discharge and itching; however they can't totally cure them. They can also improve nasal congestion, as well as eye and skin symptoms connected with nasal allergies. Short-acting antihistamines are taken every 4 to 6 hours while long-lasting time-released antihistamines are taken every 12 or 24 hours. Antihistamines such as Claritin and Benadryl are some of the top over-the-counter drugs.
  
  

Saline Nasal Sprays

• Saline sprays help the small hair-like nasal structures (cilia) stay healthy by humidifying air to the lungs and clearing away mucous. They also trap bacteria so it won't enter cells, hindering your sense of smell. Healthy cilia are useful in treating sinusitis and rhinitis. Medicines as Nasonex, Flonase and Veramyst are effective, although caution should be used as overuse can cause "rebound congestion" resulting from swelling and irritation of the nasal passages.
  
  

Nasal Steroids

• Nasal steroids are topical medicines reducing nasal inflammation. Inhaled nasal steroids are not those anabolic steroids used by some professional athletes to build up muscles. Known as corticosteroids, they're one of the best treatments for allergy symptoms according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (see Resources). However, forceful sniffing should be avoided as it can cause sore throats, reducing effectiveness.
  
  

Leukotriene Modifiers

• Leukotriene modifiers, a fairly new type of drug, block leukotrienes which is a cause of nasal congestion, wheezing, shortness of breath and inflammation linked with nasal allergies. People who struggle with asthma and allergies are helped using them as these modifiers can help keep bronchial tubes from narrowing. The drugs are in pill form and meant to be taken one to four times daily.