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Allergic
Rhinitis (Seasonal Allergy/Hayfever and Perennial Allergy)
INTRODUCTION
The most recognized form of allergic rhinitis is known as hayfever.
This usually occurs in spring and/or fall and causes sneezing, runny
nose, tearing. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal (hayfever due to
pollen), perennial (due to dust
mites, pets or molds) or both.
What people experience as a runny nose or nasal congestion could
be due to many different causes, some of which are not allergic.
A drippy nose with cold air is normal and sometimes this occurs
with spicy foods and is not a true allergy but a condition called
vasomotor rhinitis.
SYMPTOMS
Typical nasal allergies commonly cause sneezing, itching, watery
eyes/nose, postnasal drip, sinus headaches and nasal congestion.
Allergies can also lead to migraine headaches, snoring, chronic
fatigue, asthma, sinus and ear infections.
DIAGNOSIS/TESTING
Most people with hayfever can diagnosis themselves after a few years
of repeated symptoms of seasonal allergies. If symptoms are atypical
or year round then the diagnostic
testing will be helpful. An allergy evaluation will help you
determine what your sensitivities are and how to avoid your allergic
triggers.
TREATMENT
Now that some antihistamines are going over the counter, people
with milder allergies will have ready access and may try them. Of
course, chances are they will not be covered by insurance. Alternatives
include nasal sprays (steroids and others), some other non-sedating
antihistamines, brief use of oral steroids if necessary and allergy
desensitization shots. Some people have classic allergic symptoms
but have no identifiable trigger for their allergies. The
treatment strategy is the same except that allergy shots will not
help. Understanding your allergies can even help you
plan vacations so that you are not taken by surprise by allergy
attacks (see the Nationwide
Pollen Count for further details).
WHEN
TO SEE AN ALLERGIST
- current allergy
medications are not relieving your symptoms or are causing side
effects
- symptoms developed
after obtaining a pet
- having difficulty
breathing
- anticipating
pregnancy
- sinus headaches
- recurrent ear
or sinus infections.
- excessive snoring
with allergies
- any allergy
symptom interfering with quality of life
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