Which type of medication is typically used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Antihistamines are the primary class of medications used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition triggered by allergens, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and congestion. Antihistamines work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. By inhibiting histamine’s effects, these medications help reduce or eliminate the common symptoms associated with allergies.

Decongestants, while they can help alleviate nasal congestion, do not address other symptoms like itching and sneezing, which antihistamines specifically target. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and are not effective for allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis, which is driven by an immune response rather than an infection. Antivirals are designed to treat viral infections and would also not be relevant to managing allergic symptoms. Therefore, antihistamines are the most suitable choice for providing relief from allergic rhinitis symptoms.