Which medication class is commonly used to manage allergic rhinitis symptoms?

Antihistamines are commonly used to manage allergic rhinitis symptoms because they work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction. When allergens such as pollen or dust mites enter the body, they trigger the release of histamine from mast cells, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Antihistamines mitigate these symptoms effectively by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, thus reducing inflammation and allergic responses.

Corticosteroids, while they can also be helpful in treating allergic rhinitis, primarily work to reduce inflammation rather than directly targeting the symptoms elicited by the histamine response. They are often used for more severe cases or in cases where antihistamines alone are not sufficient.

Beta-agonists are primarily used for managing respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and do not play a significant role in treating allergic rhinitis.

Leukotriene modifiers can be effective in managing allergic rhinitis but are less commonly used as a first-line treatment compared to antihistamines. They work by inhibiting the action of leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammation and mucus production.

In summary, antihistamines are the primary choice for