What is the primary management for allergic rhinitis?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Corticosteroids
• C. Viral medication
• D. Analgesics

Answer: (B)

Managing allergic rhinitis is about reducing the nasal inflammation driving the symptoms. Intranasal corticosteroids are the primary approach because they suppress the inflammatory processes in the nasal mucosa across multiple pathways, not just one symptom. This broad anti-inflammatory action lowers nasal swelling, decreases mucus production, and reduces itch and sneezing, leading to meaningful relief from congestion and overall better quality of life, especially when symptoms are persistent or moderate to severe.

They work best with regular daily use and have a favorable safety profile when used as directed, making them suitable for long-term control. While antibiotics and viral medications target infections and analgesics only ease pain or general discomfort, they don’t address the underlying allergic inflammation. Other treatments, like antihistamines or leukotriene receptor antagonists, can be helpful as add-ons, but intranasal corticosteroids remain the most consistently effective option for controlling the core inflammatory process in allergic rhinitis.