Allergic Rhinitis

This condition is also known as hay fever. It’s an allergic condition that causes congestion, sneezing, an itchy nose, and a sore throat. In simple terms, it’s an allergic reaction to small particles in the air known as allergens. So, once you breathe in allergens through the mouth or nose, the body reacts by producing a natural chemical known as histamine. Some common causes include mold, dust mites, plant pollen, and pet dander.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

• A runny nose
• Sneezing
• A stuffy nose
• Coughing
• An itchy nose
• A scratchy or sore throat
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Dark circles on eyes
• Eczema-like symptoms like having very dry, itchy skin
• Frequent headache
• Excessive fatigue
• Hives

In most cases, you will experience one or more of the symptoms mentioned once you come into contact with an allergen. However, various symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches, might occur when you have been exposed to the allergens for a long time.

Furthermore, some individuals experience these symptoms rarely. Usually, this happens when a person is exposed to large quantities of allergens. Also, some people experience symptoms for a whole year. Ensure you talk to your doctor concerning any possible allergies if the symptoms last for at least a month without any improvement.

Diagnosis

When you visit your health care provider, you’ll be asked various questions about your symptoms and examined. Your physician might ask you whether you know what makes the symptoms worse. Let them know if you have pets. Your physician may do some tests to know the best treatment and prevention plan to recommend. Some of the tests he can do include:

• A skin test is one of the most common tests that may show what a patient is allergic to. Your physician will lightly scratch or prick your skin with small amounts of a possible allergen. The physician will then watch to see how it affects your skin. If a bump appears within a short time, you are most likely allergic to that allergen.
• A rhinoscopy- it’s a procedure that can be used to check for other causes of your symptoms, like a foreign object or polyps. Your physician will place a thin tube with a camera inside your nose to check it.
• A nasal swab – is used to test mucus from your nose for allergic conditions.

Treatment

There are several ways you can treat allergic rhinitis. They include home remedies as well as medications and possible alternative medicines. But before you try any new treatment option, ensure you talk to your provider first.Nasal steroids can help reduce inflammation in your nose. Antihistamine can help reduce sneezing, itching as well as a runny nose. Keep in mind that some antihistamines can make you sleep. Your physician might recommend an immunotherapy procedure if other treatment options are ineffective or your symptoms are serious. In this treatment, your physician will inject some allergen into your skin. In the beginning, the therapy will contain small amounts of allergen. As time passes, your physician will keep increasing the amount slowly. This treatment may help your body be less sensitive and stop reacting to allergens. You might need immunotherapy treatment for a few weeks or longer.

How Can We Help?

Our trusted physicians at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology will ask a few questions about your allergies. We will then come up with an effective treatment plan depending on your symptoms. Your treatment plan will depend on your medical history and symptoms. Do you have any questions? Contact us today.