Steroids for Allergies: What You Need to Know

When allergies strike — whether it’s hay fever season or a year-round battle with dust mites or pet dander — many people turn to steroids for relief. But what exactly are these medications, and are they safe? Let’s break down the two most common forms used for allergies — steroid nasal sprays and steroid injections — and what you need to know about their side effects.

How Do Steroids Help with Allergies?

Steroids, or corticosteroids, work by reducing inflammation. When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system overreacts to harmless substances (like pollen or pet dander), causing swelling and irritation in your nose, eyes, and airways. Steroids calm this inflammation, helping to ease symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.

Now let’s look at the two main ways steroids are used for allergies.

1. Steroid Nasal Sprays

What they are: These are sprays you use directly in your nose, and they’re often the first-line treatment for moderate to severe hay fever. Common ones include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and budesonide (Rhinocort).

How they work: They reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, easing sneezing, itching, and congestion.

Side effects: While generally safe for short-term use, they’re not entirely risk-free. Possible side effects include:

• Nasal dryness or irritation

• Nosebleeds

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• A reduced sense of smell (rare)

Pro tip: To reduce side effects, aim the spray away from the middle of your nose (the septum) and use the lowest effective dose.

2. Steroid Injections

What they are: These are long-acting steroid shots (often containing triamcinolone) that some people get for severe hay fever. A single injection can provide relief for weeks or even months.

How they work: The steroid is slowly released into your bloodstream, helping to reduce inflammation throughout your body.

Side effects: While they can be effective, the side effects can be more serious than those of nasal sprays. These can include:

• Weight gain

• Diabetes

• Increased blood pressure

• Mood changes (anxiety or mood swings)

• Thinning and weakening of the skin

• Suppressed immune system

• Bone thinning (osteoporosis) with repeated use

Because of these risks, steroid injections are usually reserved for people with severe symptoms who can’t find relief with other treatments.

The Bottom Line: Are Steroids Right for You?

Steroids can be incredibly effective for treating allergy symptoms — but they aren’t always the best long-term solution. While nasal sprays are safer for ongoing use, steroids do carry risks and should only be considered when absolutely necessary.

If you’re tired of battling allergies and want a more sustainable fix, there’s another option: natural allergy desensitisation. At AllergyRhino, we offer personalised treatment plans to help retrain your immune system, so you can reduce or even eliminate your allergy symptoms over time — without relying on steroids.

Take Control of Your Allergies

Don’t let allergies rule your life. If you’re using steroids but still struggling with symptoms — or worried about their side effects — get in touch with AllergyRhino. Let’s explore how allergy desensitisation could be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for.