Allergic rhinitis is an extremely common type of allergy that can affect anyone, and develop at any age. Allergies are not inherited, but it has been found that if a family member has sensitivity to a certain substance, other family members are more likely to have the same or similar sensitivity. If you have allergic rhinitis, it is recommended that you avoid the substances that are known allergens for you. When rhinitis is seasonal or involves substances that are hard to avoid, medication can be prescribed to relieve symptoms. The most commonly used drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroid sprays, and cromolyn nasal sprays. Immunotherapy is a type of desensitizing treatment in which a series of injections of a known allergen are given in increasingly larger doses until the body shows that it can be tolerated. An allergy specialist must administer this type of program and it may take a long period of time to develop immunity. These injections are followed by periodic booster shots. There are many alternative treatments for allergic responses, most of which involve diet and lifestyle. There are ways to reduce your exposure to allergens by using an air conditioner and air purifier during the seasons when pollen levels are high. Keeping house as free of dust as possible by damp mopping and using a vacuum cleaner with a special filter designed to trap fine particles. Avoid contact with animals, or keep pets bathed and well groomed.