From the Guidelines
The treatment for allergic rhinitis and dry nares involves a combination of medications and self-care measures, with intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) at 1-2 sprays per nostril daily being the first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis, as recommended by the 2017 Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters 1. For allergic rhinitis, oral antihistamines such as loratadine (10mg daily), cetirizine (10mg daily), or fexofenadine (180mg daily) can help control sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Some key points to consider in the treatment of allergic rhinitis include:
- The use of intranasal corticosteroids as the most effective medication class for controlling symptoms, as stated in the 2008 update of the Joint Task Force's rhinitis practice parameter 1.
- The potential benefits of combination therapy with an intranasal antihistamine and an intranasal corticosteroid, as suggested by five trials published since 2008 1.
- The importance of avoiding known allergens, using air purifiers with HEPA filters, and keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons to reduce exposure to triggers. For dry nares, some key points to consider include:
- The use of saline nasal sprays or rinses 2-4 times daily to moisturize the nasal passages and clear allergens.
- Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly or specialized nasal moisturizing gels inside the nostrils twice daily to prevent dryness and cracking.
- Using a humidifier in the bedroom to maintain optimal humidity levels (30-50%) and prevent nasal dryness. These treatments work by reducing the inflammatory response to allergens while maintaining proper nasal moisture, which helps preserve the protective mucosal barrier and prevents complications like nosebleeds and discomfort, as supported by the evidence from the 2017 Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP relieves allergy symptoms caused by pollen, mold, dust and pets. Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP not only relieves sneezing, itchy nose, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, but also relieves nasal congestion. The treatment for allergic rhinitis is Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, USP, which helps relieve a broad range of symptoms from many allergens, including:
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose
- Runny nose
- Itchy, watery eyes However, for dry nares, there is no direct information in the drug label that supports its use for this condition. 2
From the Research
Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis
- Intranasal corticosteroids are a safe and effective first-line therapy for allergic rhinitis, relieving nasal congestion, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing 3
- Examples of intranasal corticosteroids include beclomethasone dipropionate, budesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, and triamcinolone acetonide 3
- Nasal irrigation with saline, including hypertonic saline, can have a positive effect on the physiology of the nasal mucosa and may be an effective alternative in mild-to-moderate allergic rhinitis 4
Adjunctive Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis
- Large-volume, low-positive pressure nasal irrigation with isotonic saline can be an effective adjunctive therapy to improve quality of life in patients with allergic rhinitis already on intranasal corticosteroid therapy 5
- As-needed use of fluticasone propionate nasal spray can reduce symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis 6
- Fluticasone propionate is an effective alternative treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis in adults and adolescents, with a rapid onset of action and good safety profile 7
Treatment for Dry Nares
- There is limited information available on the treatment of dry nares specifically, but nasal irrigation with saline may help to moisturize the nasal mucosa and relieve dryness 4, 5
- Intranasal corticosteroids may also help to reduce inflammation and dryness in the nasal mucosa, but may cause dryness and irritation as a side effect in some patients 3