Treatment of Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It is one of the most common allergic conditions, affecting up to 30% of the population.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. It is one of the most common allergic conditions, affecting up to 30% of the population.
First-Line Treatment Principles
- ✓Establish confirmed diagnosis before initiating treatment
- ✓Consider patient preferences, comorbidities, and drug interactions when selecting therapy
- ✓Start at lower doses in elderly, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment; titrate to response
- ✓Review treatment indication at regular intervals; deprescribe when indication resolved
- ✓Lifestyle modification as adjunct or first-line for most chronic conditions
Medications Used in Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis)
Cetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Loratadine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Fexofenadine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Desloratadine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Bilastine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Levocetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks H1 receptors to relieve allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, itching, and hives.
Non-Pharmacological Management
- •Diet: evidence-based nutritional approach specific to the condition
- •Regular physical activity: 150 min/week moderate intensity aerobic exercise for most adults
- •Smoking cessation: reduces risk across virtually all disease categories
- •Alcohol restriction: moderate consumption (≤14 units/week) where medically indicated
- •Weight management: maintains BMI 18.5–25 kg/m²
- •Stress management and sleep hygiene
- •Self-management education and patient empowerment
Treatment Goals
Monitoring Parameters
- ◆Condition-specific biomarkers and clinical parameters at each review
- ◆Side effect monitoring according to drug class
- ◆Functional status and quality-of-life assessment
- ◆Treatment adherence: review at every encounter
Escalation Criteria
- →Inadequate response after adequate trial period → second-line therapy or specialist referral
- →Adverse drug reactions or tolerance issues → review and switch therapy
- →Acute deterioration or new complications → emergency assessment
Special Populations
Clinical Insights
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