Which medication is considered a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis?

Budesonide (Rhinocort) is considered a first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis because it is an intranasal corticosteroid that effectively reduces inflammation in the nasal passages. This class of medication works by blocking various mediators of the allergy process, leading to relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose, which are common symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Intranasal corticosteroids are generally favored due to their high efficacy and safety profile, making them the standard recommendation for managing this condition.

While other options like cetirizine (Zyrtec) are effective antihistamines that relieve some symptoms of allergic rhinitis, they do not address nasal inflammation as comprehensively as intranasal corticosteroids do. Azelastine (Astelin) is also an intranasal antihistamine, but it is not considered as first-line treatment compared to budesonide. Saline nasal spray can provide some symptomatic relief but lacks the anti-inflammatory properties necessary for more severe allergic rhinitis cases, hence it is often used as an adjunct therapy rather than a primary treatment.