Final answer:
Nasal steroids are typically used for managing ongoing inflammation in allergies, which provides delayed rather than immediate relief. Immediate allergic reactions such as those from exposure to pollen are swift and occur within a few minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nasal steroids, as management for allergies and inflammation, typically have a delayed effect. They work by decreasing inflammation in the nasal passages but unlike antihistamines, which interact directly with histamine receptors to stop immediate allergic responses such as runny nose, nasal steroids work more slowly to reduce the inflammation that contributes to these symptoms.
On the other hand, allergic reactions to allergens such as pollen (classified as immediate hypersensitivity), are a type of immune response that happens swiftly due to the binding of allergen-specific IgE to the mast cell surface. This reaction happens rapidly and typically occurs within just a few minutes of exposure to the allergen.
However, not all unpleasant symptoms related to allergies and inflammation are due to immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Some may be caused by ongoing inflammation, which can be more slowly treated with nasal steroids. Therefore, while nasal steroids might not provide immediate relief, they play a crucial role in the long-term relief and management of symptoms.
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