What is the best initial treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis?

Antihistamines are often the best initial treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis due to their effectiveness in alleviating symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic response, thereby reducing the symptoms associated with allergies.

While corticosteroids are also effective in managing inflammation related to allergic rhinitis, they are typically recommended for more severe or persistent symptoms and may take several days to achieve optimal effects. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion but do not address the underlying allergic response and can have side effects if used long-term. Antibiotics are ineffective in this context because allergic rhinitis is not caused by a bacterial infection. Thus, starting with antihistamines is often the preferred approach for quick relief of allergy symptoms.