Nasal corticosteroids reduce nasal swelling, irritability, mucus secretion and inflammation, among many other actions. They are effective in most patients. Nasal corticosteroids have proven to be very safe both in the short and long term. However, nasal beclomethasone can cause some growth reduction in six to nine year old children and some specialists no longer use it in children. Nasal cromolyn prevents the release of histamine thereby decreasing sneezing, itching and rhinorrhea.
Decongestants decrease swelling in the nose.
Immunotherapy is a process whereby the allergic mechanism underlying allergic rhinitis is modified. Immunotherapy typically involves once or twice-weekly injection of the allergens to which the patient is allergic. Initially a dilute solution is used and then the concentration is increased gradually until the highest level that can be injected without causing significant local reactions is reached. After about one to two years of injections, about 80 to 90 percent of patients have a marked reduction in symptoms. Immunotherapy works well for allergic asthma and stinging insect sensitivity as well.