What are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever?
• Runny nose (clear discharge) • Red, itchy or puffy eyes • Dark circles under the eyes • Sneezing and itchy nose • Swollen nasal passages • Irritated throat • Fatigue What About… conventional antihistamine treatment for allergic rhinitis and hay fever? Doctors usually treat allergies supportively and with antihistamine drugs which can block the release of histamine and therefore reduce or prevent the allergic reaction. Antihistamines may be short acting or long acting and come in tablets, nasal sprays, inhalers, eye drops or syrups. Antihistamines can be very effective and many people with severe allergies to airborne substances find it very difficult to lead a normal life without them. By preventing or reducing the allergic reaction, antihistamines can also help to prevent the illness cycle that arises due to frequent allergic attacks. However, as always, the advantages of any medication should always be weighed against its disadvantages. Antihistamines can also cause unwanted side
