Conventional first line treatments for hayfever and allergic eyes (conjunctivitis) are non-sedating antihistamine medication. However there is growing evidence that topical nasal sprays containing low dose steroids control both nasal symptoms (such as congestion, rhinorrhoea, sneezing and itching) and eye symptoms (such as itching/ burning, tearing/watering and redness) in persistent allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The recommended nasal sprays containing fluticasone, mometasone or triamcinolone only need to be used once daily into the nose but should be continued throughout the tree and grass pollen hay fever season for best results. Just in case you are now totally confused; the beneficial effects are when the nose spray is discharged into the nose only – these sprays should never be discharged onto or into the eyes.
Reference: Rodrigo GJ, Neffen H. Clinical and experimental allergy 2011 (41) 160-170
