Other Treatments

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Other types of treatment for nasal allergy symptoms include immunotherapy (better known as allergy shots), mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene inhibitors, and nasal irrigation.

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Immunotherapy is typically used to treat nasal allergy symptoms based on several factors such as severity or after medications have not worked or are causing side effects. Immunotherapy treatment involves a series of shots given as often as weekly or every several weeks, for a period of about 3 to 5 years. Allergy shots expose the immune system to the allergens it reacts to in order to increase tolerance over time.

The Immunotherapy Program

Over time, immunotherapy makes your immune system less sensitive to the allergens that affect you, like pollens, dust mites, and animal dander. Allergy shots actually contain these allergens. Each time you get an injection, the concentration is increased slightly. Over time, your immune system will be able to tolerate higher concentrations of these allergens. Then, when you encounter these allergens in the environment, your immune system will be less sensitive to them—you may have a mild allergic reaction or, perhaps, no allergic reaction at all.

Even though improvement may be seen in as few as 12 months, for immunology to be fully effective, a patient must complete the full course of treatment. This usually involves getting an injection once or twice a week for about 3 to 6 months during what is called the "build-up phase." After that, you reach the "maintenance phase," when allergy injections are continued at regular intervals—for example, once or twice a month. After a full course of treatment, some patients can stop therapy and still enjoy the benefits. Others may need to continue treatment. Effectiveness depends on the length of treatment and the dose received.

Important facts about immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy is generally not recommended unless a patient has severe nasal allergy symptoms for periods of at least 3 months at a time.
• Immunotherapy requires a significant time, and possibly also financial, commitment, since treatment takes several years of frequent visits.
• You need to undergo allergy skin testing before immunotherapy can be initiated, to determine which specific allergens are triggers for you.
• At the injection site, you are likely to have mild itching or swelling, which may last 1 or 2 hours.
• Treatment can also cause reactions including increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion or hives, which may need to be treated.
• There is a low risk that a severe anaphylactic allergic reaction may occur that may require treatment. However, severe allergic reactions resulting from allergy shots are rare, and typically take place within 30 minutes. Your doctor may ask you to remain in the office during this period.
• If you have severe asthma or heart problems, or are taking a beta blocker, mention these items to your doctor or allergist if you are considering taking allergy shots.
• Women shouldn't start allergy shots when pregnant. If you become pregnant while you've been taking allergy shots, talk to your doctor. Children under age 5 shouldn't get allergy shots.
• Finally, allergy shots may reduce the severity of your nasal allergy symptoms, but may not eliminate them completely. Avoiding triggers is still important, and you may want to talk with your doctor about taking nasal allergy medications during your immunotherapy treatment.

Mast Cell Stabilizers

Mast cell stabilizers help prevent the body from releasing histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation when a person is exposed to an allergen. An example of a mast cell stabilizer is cromolyn sodium, which is used to prevent and treat nasal allergy symptoms.

• Mast cell stabilizers may not provide immediate relief for nasal allergy symptoms. They may need to be taken for several days to notice an effect.
• Mast cell stabilizers can cause side effects such as stinging or sneezing.

Leukotriene Inhibitors

Leukotriene inhibitors are medications that block the effects of leukotrienes—chemicals your immune system releases during an allergic reaction that cause inflammation.

Leukotriene inhibitors can cause side effects including headache, ear infection, and sore throat.

Nasal Irrigation

When you have nasal allergies, the lining of your nose becomes inflamed, which reduces its natural ability to wash away allergens, irritants, bacteria, and viruses. Nasal irrigation is a technique some people find helpful in which a warm saline solution is used to help flush excess mucus, allergens, and irritants from the nasal passages.

Talk With Your Doctor

If you're bothered by nasal allergy symptoms—such as congestion, sneezing, and an itchy or runny nose—ask your doctor about all the treatment options available to you. Your doctor knows your medical history and can recommend the most appropriate treatment.