A nasal allergy is commonly defined as hay fever (allergic rhinitis), according to the Mayo Clinic. Hay fever is an allergic reaction that causes flu-like symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion and a runny nose. The most common causes for a nasal allergy are dust mites, pollen and pet dander. Hay fever can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescribed steroid nasal sprays and allergy shots. A person with a nasal allergy should consult his doctor before taking any medication to determine the cause of the allergy.
Avoidance
The American Academy of Otolaryngology says that the best treatment for a nasal allergy is to avoid the allergen as much as possible. A person with a dust mite allergy should maintain a dust-free home, use dust mite covers on pillows and mattresses and use a face mask when cleaning. A person with a pollen allergy should remain indoors as much as possible and should change his clothing after being exposed to the outdoors.
OTC Drugs
According to the National Library of Medicine, the most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat a nasal allergy are antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines are used to prevent and treat allergic symptoms by prohibiting histamine from being released in the body. Second-generation antihistamines are used to treat seasonal allergies because they don't cause drowsiness in healthy adults, according to familydoctor.org. Decongestants are also used to treat nasal allergies. Decongestants work by restricting blood flow to the sinus cavity, reducing swelling. Decongestants provide a person with the ability to breathe freely and drain mucus properly through the nose.
Prescribed Steroid Nasal Sprays
Nasal corticosteroids are prescribed for the treatment and prevention of nasal allergies. These steroid-based nasal sprays are used to relieve nasal itching, congestion and runny nose caused by allergic rhinitis. This type of medication is the most effective after using it for more than one week. Some of the most common steroid nasal sprays available are: fluticasone furoate, fluticasone propionate, mometasone and beclomethasone, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nasal corticosteroids have minimal side effects, such as nose irritation or a bad smell or taste. These drugs may be used long-term.
Allergy Shots
For more severe allergies, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be the best treatment. The Mayo Clinic says allergy shots are a progression of small exposures to an allergen over a three- to five-year period. Allergy shots contain very small doses of the allergen that are slowly increased over years to build up a tolerance in the body toward that particular allergen. Once the therapy is complete, a person should experience a significant decrease in the allergy symptoms. The Mayo Clinic says allergy shots are the most effective with a dust mite allergy, cat dander allergy and pollen allergy.
