Rhinitis

Rhinitis can come in several forms – allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis both of which can also be persistent then sometimes treatments can vary depending on the form it takes and whether it is persistent.

Primarily treatment is to reduce or eliminate the swelling, sneezing and runny nose symptoms associated with rhinitis by using nasal sprays, salt-water washes or medications.

Medication

As allergic rhinitis is down to an allergic reaction such as pollen, dust mites or a pollutant in the air then trying to avoid such allergens is a start but as this is not always possible then over the counter antihistamine tablets or nasal sprays are very effective for dealing with mild to medium forms of the condition. Also cleaning your nasal passages out with either a home made solution of salt, bicarbonate of soda and warm water or a ready made sachet from a pharmacy and added to warm water can bring relief.

For more severe or persistent bouts of allergic rhinitis you may be prescribed a nasal spray that contains corticosteroids, these take a little longer to work than antihistamine but as they are stronger they last longer. If rapid relief is required for very severe bouts then there are corticosteroid tablets that could also be prescribed.

Nasal Medication

Should the standard remedies for allergic rhinitis not be effective then the medical practitioner may add additional treatments so you have a combination of both a nasal spray and tablets. There are also specialist drugs such as ipratropium which reduces excessive nasal discharge or a leukotriene receptor antagonist medication this is used to block leukotrienes which occur in an allergic reaction.

With non-allergic rhinitis treatment may not be required other than clearing nasal passages out with a saline solution as it may be due to a virus such as a cold as will therefore clear in a short space of time.

Nasal sprays can be used to treat non-allergic rhinitis, it is a case of working out what symptoms you are trying to relieve. In the case of reducing inflammation then an antihistamine or one containing corticosteroids is most effective.

An anticholinergic spray works on reduced levels of mucus produced in the nose therefore helping with a runny nose symptoms.

For reducing congestion in the nasal passages due to blood vessels swelling a decongestant spray reduces the swelling. If using this type of spray you should not use it for more than seven days in one go as it can be counter-productive – making your congestion worse.