When To See Your Gp
Visit your GP if the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are disrupting your sleep, preventing you carrying out everyday activities, or adversely affecting your performance at work or school.
A diagnosis of allergic rhinitis will usually be based on your symptoms and any possible triggers you may have noticed. If the cause of your condition is uncertain, you may be referred for allergy testing.
Read more about the complications of allergic rhinitis
Always Eager To Learn More About Allergies
As we were gazing at the beauty of nature, we met some fellow tourists. We met a woman who was a pediatrician from the East Coast. So, of course, we had to start chatting about allergies and asthma. Since my kids had been recently diagnosed, I was always anxious to learn more. I thought this would be a great time to hear another viewpoint about allergies and asthma.
So, our family Allergy Doc was brilliant. He would patiently explain the “why” behind something. I wanted to know the mechanism behind allergies and asthma and how different medications work. I also wanted to make sure the kids and I were taking the proper medication at the right time.
What Are The Treatments For Allergic Rhinitis
The first and best option is to avoid contact with substances that trigger your nasal allergies . When prevention is not enough, consider using over-the-counter or prescription medicines:
- Antihistamines are taken by mouth or as a nasal spray. They can relieve sneezing and itching in the nose and eyes. They also reduce a runny nose and, to a lesser extent, nasal stuffiness.
- are taken by mouth or as a nasal spray or drops. They help shrink the lining of the nasal passages which relieves nasal stuffiness. These nose drops and sprays should be taken short-term.
- Nasal corticosteroids are used in nasal spray form. They reduce inflammation in the nose and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective medicine type for allergic rhinitis because they can reduce all symptoms, including nasal congestion. Nasal corticosteroids have few side effects.
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists block the action of important chemical messengers other than histamine that are involved in allergic reactions.
- Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that blocks the release of chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, including histamine and leukotrienes. This medicine has few side effects, but you must take it four times a day.
Nasal allergy symptoms may disappear completely when the allergen is removed or after the allergy is treated. Talk to your pharmacist and health care provider about what is best for you.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Bad Seasonal Allergies
What Is The Outlook For People Who Have Hay Fever
Hay fever can make you feel miserable, but it doesnt cause serious health problems. Most people with hay fever manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication.
People with airborne allergies have a higher risk of ear infections and sinus infections. Because hay fever can make it tough to get a good nights sleep, you may feel tired during the day. If you have asthma, hay fever can make your asthma symptoms worse.
How Long Do Pollen Allergies Last
It depends on the type of pollen that triggers your allergies12:
- Tree pollen usually lasts from March until mid-May
- Grass pollen usually lasts from Mid-May to mid-July
- Weed pollen usually lasts Mid-August until November
But your location will affect this.
The weather can also affect pollen levels, which can delay or extend how long pollen allergies last each year12.
Also Check: How Long Do Wheat Allergy Symptoms Last
Treatment Options For Chronic Allergies
While it can be possible to manage an allergy, allergies arent curable. With that said, finding relief can make all the difference. Chronic allergies, or year-round allergies, can really take a toll on you. So, here are some treatments that may alleviate your symptoms.
Many BoomBoom customers have found that the essential oils and menthol in our nasal inhalers provide allergy relief. Heres what theyve said after trying BoomBoom:
What Causes Year Round Allergies
Coming round to the causes behind this allergic condition, it is mainly found to be impactful because of the kind of triggers it has around.
Much like any other form of immune disorder or even the allergic reactions, this one is caused because of a number of factors that are available the entire year around.
Let us take a look at some of the most important and prevalent ones, shall we?
Some of the causes of year round allergies include:
These are just the standard ones. The causes behind allergic reactions are subject to changing which is why it is important that you dont think that there is a standard list of causes behind it.
Check Out These Effective Remedies For Year Round Allergies.
You May Like: What Is An Allergy Test Like
Questions To Ask Your Doctor
- Could anything else, such as a cold or the flu, be causing my symptoms?
- How do I figure out what Im allergic to?
- Is my allergy seasonal?
- I am allergic to _____. Am I at risk for any other allergies?
- What changes can I make at home to relieve my symptoms?
- Will any over-the counter medicines relieve my symptoms?
- What should I do if my symptoms get worse or dont respond to the treatment youve prescribed?
- Do I need to see an allergy specialist ?
What Are The Types Of Rhinitis
There are several types of rhinitis:
- Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergies to substances called allergens.
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis is sometimes called hay fever. But, people with seasonal allergic rhinitis do not have to have a fever and do not have to be exposed to hay to develop this condition. It is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. This type of rhinitis occurs mainly in the spring and fall, when pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are in the air.
- Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens that are present all year long. The primary causes of this type of rhinitis are allergies to dust mites, mold, animal dander and cockroach debris.
- Non-allergic rhinitis is not caused by allergens. Smoke, chemicals or other irritating environmental conditions may provoke non-allergic rhinitis. Hormonal changes, physical defects of the nose and the overuse of nose sprays may also cause it. Sometimes medications cause it. Often, the cause of this type of rhinitis is not well understood. But it is common in patients with non-allergic asthma. The symptoms are similar to allergy symptoms.
- Infectious rhinitis is possibly the most common type of rhinitis. It is also known as the common cold or upper respiratory infection . Colds occur when a cold virus settles into the mucous membranes of the nose and sinus cavities and causes an infection.
Don’t Miss: Can You Develop A Caffeine Allergy
Who Is At Risk For Allergic Rhinitis
Children with asthma are at a higher risk for rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a common problem that may be linked to asthma. However, this link is not fully understood. Experts think that since rhinitis makes it hard to breathe through the nose, it is harder for the nose to work normally. Breathing through the mouth does not warm, filter, or humidify the air before it enters the lungs. This can make asthma symptoms worse.
Controlling asthma may help control allergic rhinitis in some children.
Why Do I Have Year
Its summertime, that time of year when everyone is coughing and sneezing away from the high pollen count. But this isnt anything new for you its a year-round battle with allergies. And youre not alone. Over 40 million people suffer from allergies and the majority of those patients suffer from year-round allergies, according to a survey reported by CBS News. It could be that you are reacting to a different allergen each season, or perhaps the source of your allergies is mold.
Don’t Miss: How To Take Piriton Allergy Tablets
Keep The Breeze And Dust Out
If you are aware of the fact that you do suffer from year round allergies, it is always best to keep the breeze out of the room. The breeze doesnt just come with the wind but also brings along the problems of dust and the airborne triggers that tend to end up causing the problems altogether.
It is important because the same is what helps in keeping the severity of the condition in check. It is always best to take precautions instead of ending up with a sore throat and runny nose.
Keep account of what kind of season it is and if the pollen count is high, it is best suggested to keep the windows shut and the breeze out.
Hay Fever Management And Treatment
Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and to your behavior.
- Keep windows closed during high pollen periods use air conditioning in your home and car.
- Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
- Use mite-proof bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold. .
- Wash your hands after petting any animal, and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.
What people dont realize is most of the over-the-counter medicines are designed for milder allergies. For the people who have more moderate to severe allergy problems, its very rare that over the counter medicines are enough.
Allergist James Sublett, MD
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Fall Allergies
Why Are My Allergies So Bad Year
If you have allergy symptoms all year, you either have perennial hay fever or both seasonal hay fever and perennial hay fever. If thats the case, you may have allergy symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, etc. that are present all year but that intensify when seasonal allergies typically kick in.
If your allergies are particularly bothersome, a doctor called an allergist can do tests to determine exactly what youre allergic to and work with you to formulate a strategy for minimizing or eliminating your symptoms.
Never Miss a Beat
Get the health and wellness news that matters most delivered straight to your inbox. on the latest news and more.
How Can I Prevent Allergic Reactions To Dust Mites
Remember, having dust mites doesnt mean your house isnt clean. In most areas of the world, these creatures live in every home, no matter how clean. But, you can reduce their effects. There are many changes you can make to your home to reduce the numbers of these unwanted guests.
Studies show that more dust mites live in your bedroom than anywhere else in your home. So this is the best place to start.
- Cover mattresses and pillows in zippered dust-proof covers. These covers are made of a material with pores too small to let dust mites and their waste product through. They are also called allergen-impermeable. Plastic or vinyl covers are the least expensive, but some people find them uncomfortable. You can buy other fabric allergen-impermeable covers from many regular bedding stores.
- Wash your sheets and blankets weekly in hot water. You have to wash them in water thats at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit or more to kill dust mites.
- Get rid of all types of fabric that mites love and that you cannot easilywash regularly in hot water. Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting, curtains, blinds, upholstered furniture and down-filled covers and pillows in the bedroom. Put roll-type shades on your windows instead of curtains.
- Special CERTIFIED filter vacuum cleaners can help to keep mites and mite waste from getting back into the air. CERTIFIED vacuums are scientifically tested and verified as more suitable for making your home healthier.
You May Like: When To Skip Allergy Shot
How Does A Doctor Diagnose Dust Mite Allergy
To diagnose a dust mite allergy, your doctor may give you a physical exam and discuss your symptoms. If your doctor thinks you have a dust mite allergy, they may suggest a skin or blood test. If you have symptoms year round, you could have a dust mite allergy.
Skin Prick Test In prick/scratch testing, a small drop of the possible allergen is placed on your skin. Then the nurse or doctor will lightly prick or scratch the spot with a needle through the drop. If you are allergic to the substance, you will develop redness, swelling and itching at the test site within 20 minutes. You may also see a wheal. A wheal is a raised, round area that looks like a hive. Usually, the larger the wheal, the more likely you are to be allergic to the allergen.
A positive SPT to a particular allergen does not necessarily mean you have an allergy. Health care providers must compare the skin test results with the time and place of your symptoms to see if they match.
Managing Your Allergy Symptoms
The easiest way to control allergic rhinitis symptoms is to avoid your triggers, but we know that isnt always an option. Another simple treatment involves using medications, like antihistamines, decongestants, and topical corticosteroids. But, if you have persistent allergies or cant tolerate medication, we often recommend immunotherapy.
Immunotherapy involves slowly introducing the known allergen to your body so you can build a tolerance to it. We do this is in slow increments to avoid triggering an allergic response, starting with very small quantities. Over several months, we gradually increase the amount until you reach the allergic dose without reacting. Then, we switch to a maintenance dose. This treatment occurs less frequently, typically once a month, to maintain your tolerance and control your allergy symptoms.
We offer two different types of immunotherapy: injections in our office and sublingual immunotherapy taken under the tongue at home. Each of these approaches is equally effective, but SLIT can be more convenient because it requires fewer office visits and often costs less. SLIT is also safe enough to use on people with high allergic sensitivities, children, and those with asthma. In addition to treating allergic rhinitis with immunotherapy, we can also use it to help with chronic non-severe food allergies.
To start managing your allergies year-round, at Florida Ear, Nose, Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery or schedule an appointment online today.
Read Also: Does Almond Extract Cause Nut Allergies
How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed
If your symptoms interfere with your daily life, see your family doctor. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. Keeping a record of your symptoms over a period of time can help your doctor determine what triggers your allergies.
Your doctor may want to do an allergy skin test to determine what you are allergic to. Tiny amounts of allergens are applied to your skin. You will feel tiny pricks that are usually not painful. Your doctor will observe and record the way your skin reacts to each allergen.
Your doctor may also decide to do a blood test, such as the radioallergosorbent test . This test identifies antibodies in your blood that determine what youre allergic to. Once your allergens are identified, you and your doctor can decide the best treatment.
Keep Allergy Medicine Handy
For those days when symptoms act up, Dr. Ogden says it’s best practices to have your medicine cabinet already stocked with what you need depending on your symptoms. She advises checking with your healthcare provider, who can provide the best guidance about what medicine will work for you before heading to your local pharmacy.
Recommended Reading: Do Allergy Shots Work For Food Allergies
When Is Allergy Season Over
Since there is no one answer to the question, when is allergy season?, its also hard to say when allergy season is over particularly when many people with allergies will experience them at different times from one another.
Many people experience year-round allergy symptoms, regardless of when certain allergy seasons start and end.ii, v Allergy symptoms can also be caused by common indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, insects and mold which can be hard to avoid day-to-day.ii If you are only allergic to one type of pollen or mold, however, allergy season may be over for you when that allergen is no longer prevalent.
People who are allergic to indoor allergens have what is known as perennial allergic rhinitis, rather than seasonal allergic rhinitis. However, its possible to have both, and people with the perennial strain can experience more severe allergy symptoms during pollen seasons if they suffer from perennial and seasonal rhinitis.ii
To find out whats causing your allergy symptoms, consult your doctor or an allergist. They can advise you on how best to manage and treat your symptoms during the allergy season that applies to you.
Is It Allergies Or A Cold
Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between allergies and the common cold. There are more than a hundred strains of cold viruses. Each tends to become widespread at certain times of the year, which is why you may mistake a cold for a seasonal allergy. Allergies occur at the same time every year and last as long as the allergen is in the air . Allergies cause itching of the nose and eyes along with other nasal symptoms. Colds last about one week and have less itching of the nose and eyes.
Don’t Miss: What Allergy Medicine Is Safe For Pregnancy
Can Kids Get Allergies All Year
My son has been congested for what seems like months now. He sometimes has a runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, too. Could this be allergies?â Fiona
If the seasons have changed and your son has continued to have allergy symptoms, it’s possible that he has perennial allergies, or what’s called perennial allergic rhinitis. This type of allergy is usually caused by indoor allergens like dust mites, indoor mold, and pet dander or saliva.
The only way to know for sure, though, is to talk with your doctor, who will ask questions about your son’s symptoms and when they happen . Based on the answers and a physical exam, the doctor might be able to make a diagnosis. If not, the doctor may refer your son to an allergist for skin testing. Skin tests are quick and involve putting a purified form of an allergen either on the skin or underneath it and then watching for an allergic reaction.
If your son is diagnosed with an indoor allergy, you’ll need to work on reducing his exposure to allergens. Here are some tips:
If reducing exposure isn’t possible or doesn’t help, medicines can help ease allergy symptoms. These may include decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal spray steroids.
If symptoms cannot be managed with medicines, the doctor may recommend taking your child to an allergist or immunologist for regular allergy shots to help desensitize him to the allergens.
