Steroids can actually be more effective than antihistamines when you use them on an “as needed” basis for your seasonal allergies.

The most effective steroids for allergic rhinitis are the intranasal corticosteroids, which are delivered to the nose in a spray form. Research done in 2001 at the University of Chicago actually questions the existing guidelines for the use of these potent drugs. Over the course of a 4-week study, patients on the nasal spray steroid reported fewer symptoms starting on Day 5 and continuing to the finish of the 28 days.

This might seem at odds with what we know about the release of histamine in response to an allergen. However, we need to keep in mind that there are two phases to any allergic reaction: the early phase in which histamines are the primary mediator of the allergic response; and, the late phase in which other chemicals and bodily processes are involved.

Antihistamines have no effect on the late phase of the allergic reaction! In fact, for greatest effectiveness antihistamines should be taken in advance of the allergen exposure.

Steroids, however, are more effective for the late phase. This becomes much more important when exposure to your allergen is chronic, as it is with seasonal allergies. In this case, steroids should be your preferred treatment.

Something else to think about: using steroids can actually be less expensive than non-sedating antihistamines.