What is the primary treatment for hay fever?

The primary treatment for hay fever (allergic rhinitis) focuses on reducing the body's response to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Antihistamines are a mainstay in this treatment approach because they work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance that the body releases during an allergic reaction. By inhibiting histamine, these medications alleviate common symptoms associated with hay fever, such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes.

While decongestants may help relieve nasal congestion associated with hay fever, they do not address the underlying allergic reaction. Antibiotics are ineffective for hay fever since it is an allergic condition and not caused by bacterial infections. Steroid nasal sprays can also be effective in managing symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nasal passages, but they are not typically the first line of treatment as antihistamines are. Therefore, antihistamines remain the primary treatment for hay fever due to their direct action on alleviating allergic symptoms.