Allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever, is a type of inflammation occurring in the nose when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. The best way to keep your symptoms under control is often to avoid the allergens that are causing a reaction. If allergies persist there are several methods of controlling symptoms or even desensitising your body to the allergen altogether.

• Nasal irrigation. A specially designed squeeze bottle to flush thickened mucus and irritants from your sinuses with a saline rinse. This should be with water that’s contaminant-free, such as distilled water, and usually recommended prior to starting any sinus treatments listed below.
• Sublingual Immunotherapy Treatment (SLIT).Treatment with SLIT should be initiated by an immunologist or a respiratory physician with experience in treating allergies. SLIT is used to desensitise your immune system to certain allergens and can usually work on several allergies at one time. This is done through a series of tablets or droplets of liquid, self-administered under the tongue daily, slowly building up your immunity. Immunotherapy is usually used when other simple treatments are not satisfactory.
• Antihistamines. Reduce the production of an immune system chemical that is active in an allergic reaction. They are inexpensive over-the-counter medication that can provide relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, or hives caused by pollen, dust mites, or animal allergy with few side effects. Types of antihistamines include fexofenadine (Telfast), loratadine (Claritine), cetirizine (Zyrtec), azelastine (Azep).
• Corticosteroids. Delivered as a nasal spray reducing inflammation and controls symptoms of allergic rhinitis. These drugs include mometasone furoate (Nasonex, Rhinocort), ciclesonide (Omnaris) and others. Nasal corticosteroids provide a low dose of the drug and have a much lower risk of side effects compared with oral corticosteroids.
• Leukotriene modifiers. Block the action of certain immune system chemicals. Your doctor may prescribe the leukotriene modifier montelukast (Singulair), which comes in tablet form. The may be some side effects which the respiratory physician will discuss with you.