I suffer from severe allergic rhinitis with symptoms like continuous sneezing, nasal congestion, and watery discharge, and my IgE level was 500. Since previous steroid treatments caused me to gain weight, what alternative, non-steroidal medications can I take to manage my allergies?

To manage your severe allergic rhinitis without steroids, several effective non-steroidal options are available. For sneezing and watery discharge, second-generation oral antihistamines like fexofenadine or cetirizine, or antihistamine nasal sprays like azelastine, work well. For nasal congestion, montelukast (a leukotriene inhibitor) is highly effective. Regular nasal saline rinses can also safely clear allergens. Given your elevated IgE level of 500, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) is an excellent long-term, non-steroidal option that targets the root cause of your allergies. Please consult your doctor to tailor a safe and effective treatment plan.