What Treatment Is Recommended For A Runny Nose Due To An Allergy
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is high, usually in the early morning and on windy days.
- Keep windows closed during allergy season, and use air conditioning whenever possible.
- Wear a dust mask if working outdoors. Change clothing and take a shower right away after coming indoors.
- Avoid contact with cats and dogs if you are sensitive to animal dander.
Also, there are many safe and effective over-the-counter medications available to help control allergy symptoms, such as nasal steroid sprays and oral antihistamines. If the symptoms are severe, your healthcare provider may recommend prescription medications, or refer you to an allergist for testing and targeted therapy.
Cleaning Your Nasal Passages
Regularly cleaning your nasal passages with a salt water solution known as nasal douching or irrigation can also help by keeping your nose free of irritants.
You can do this either by using a homemade solution or a solution made with sachets of ingredients bought from a pharmacy.
Small syringes or pots that often look like small horns or teapots are also available to help flush the solution around the inside of your nose.
To make the solution at home, mix half a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into a pint of boiled water that’s been left to cool to around body temperature do not attempt to rinse your nose while the water is still hot.
To rinse your nose:
- stand over a sink, cup the palm of one hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it
- sniff the water into one nostril at a time
- repeat this until your nose feels comfortable you may not need to use all of the solution
While you do this, some solution may pass into your throat through the back of your nose. The solution is harmless if swallowed, but try to spit out as much of it as possible.
Nasal irrigation can be carried out as often as necessary, but a fresh solution should be made each time.
Treating Allergies And Sinusitis
Allergies
- Know your allergy triggers and avoid exposure to them when possible. Board certified allergists at Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center can help to identify the specific things you are allergic to.
- Over the counter medications including antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays can be effective in controlling mild allergy symptoms. If you are not responding to these medications, your allergist can discuss prescription medications.
- Some patients benefit from allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots. This involves injections of tiny amounts of the allergens to which you are allergic to help the immune system develop tolerance to them.
Sinusitis
- If your symptoms are not responding to allergy treatment and are lasting for more than 7-10 days, you may need further evaluation by your physician. In the meantime, over the counter treatments such as antihistamines, decongestants, and saline sinus rinses can provide symptomatic relief.
Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center is a regional care center with 15 board certified allergists to serve you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our allergy practices in the Charlotte area.
Chronic Stuffy Nose: Is It Allergies Or Sinusitis
Sometimes, despite aggressive allergy treatment, nasal congestion persists. Its possible that the culprit is sinusitis.
Sinusitis is characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses. Swelling can cause sinus drainage passages to become blocked and mucus to accumulate. This can lead to symptoms of facial pressure, nasal congestion, and drainage of thick, discolored mucus.
Allergies are one several sources of inflammation in the sinuses. When you have allergies, your immune system tries to fight off harmless substances known as allergens . In doing so, the immune system causes inflammation that results in swelling of the nasal passages and sinuses as well as increased mucus production.
Sinusitis can also develop after a cold or other viral infection.
What Are The Commonly Used Treatments
The following treatment options are for allergic rhinitis – the most common cause of persistent rhinitis. Non-allergic rhinitis can be more difficult to treat and depends on the cause. Steroid and antihistamine nasal sprays are usually recommended for non-allergic rhinitis.
The commonly used treatment options for allergic rhinitis are avoiding the cause of the allergy, antihistamine nasal sprays, antihistamine tablets and steroid nasal sprays.
Note: if your rhinitis symptoms are not controlled on the medication that you are taking after 2-4 weeks, you should discuss this with your doctor. You may need to try a different treatment or add in another treatment.
Are My Watery Eyes And Runny Nose Allergies Or Sinusitis
Up and down the Willamette Valley, people are sneezing and coughing.
The fertile beauty of the valley comes with a price: excessive pollen production in the springtime.
But it turns out your symptoms might not be related to allergies at all.
Spring is well underway now in Oregon and across the U.S.
Unfortunately, many people are experiencing the seasonal onslaught of springtime allergiesor at least they think they are.
In many cases, the symptoms attributed to allergies are actually the result of chronic sinus infections.
Learning to tell them apart can result in quicker relief.
Is It A Cold Covid Or Allergies
Its easy to overanalyze symptoms of illness, especially since colds, COVID, and allergies do have a lot of overlap. There are, however, a few distinct differences that can help you figure out the cause of your symptoms.
When in doubt, you should definitely talk to your doctor and/or get tested to rule out COVID. But generally speaking, these are the signs and symptoms of each so you can make better informed decisions about next steps to take for treatment.
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If you have COVID or a cold, theres not much you can do at home other than rest and treat symptoms until your body fights off the viruses.
Allergies are completely different. Simply put, they are the bodys response to harmless foreign invadersuch as pollen. The bodys overblown reaction to allergens serves no purpose other than to make us feel a bit miserable.
Stinging nettles is a medicinal herb that inhibits histamine receptors and prostaglandin formation. In one study, allergy sufferers rated a freeze-dried preparation of stinging nettles much higher than placebo in reducing symptoms.4
It comes in many forms , so follow the specific dosing instructions on the product you decide to buy.
What Causes Allergic Nasal Congestion Or Hay Fever
Not everyone who suffers from runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose, and/or sneezing caused by allergic rhinitis will have the same triggers. Some may be triggered from outdoor seasonal allergies such as tree or grass pollen that may only occur during certain seasons, while others may suffer from indoor allergens such as mold, dust mites, and animal dander. See Types of Allergies for more information.
Itchy Nose Roof Of Mouth Or Throat
Perhaps youre not sneezing, having a runny nose or experiencing severe nasal and sinus pressure. But, you are noticing an itchy nose, tingle in the roof of your mouth or scratchy throat.
These could be sure signs of a dust allergy.
Inhaled allergens immediately affect the nose, mouth, and throat and these are telltale symptoms of an allergic reaction to particles in the air.
In fact, Heathline released a report backing up this claim, including several natural remedies to help with it.
These include drinking hot liquids, like soups and teas, as well as gargling with salt water and using a neti pot.
Back Up: Why Do We Cough Anyway
Coughing is a natural response to irritation in your throat or airways. To put it simply, receptors in the throat, trachea, and lungs respond and lead to activation of the cough center in the brain, explains Clifford Bassett, M.D., founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
Coughing is an essential defense mechanism, he says, and its your bodys way of pushing any unwanted stuff out, including pollen, mucus, and pieces of food, to make more room for air to get through.
Runny Nose: Seasonal Allergies Or Common Cold
Spring is in full swing and with this time of the year comes the increase in pollen which can contribute to those annoying seasonal allergies. Seasonal allergies often resemble the symptoms of a common cold, so how can you tell if you have seasonal allergies or a cold? Look no further than your nose. Your nose is the best way to determine if you have developed seasonal allergies. When your nose is irritated by allergens, a fairly constant flow of clear and thin mucous is produced, which is known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever. It is possible to differentiate between allergic rhinitis and the common cold by how long the sniffles last. While the common cold usually will stay present for about a week to 10 days, allergic rhinitis can span for several weeks or months. Depending on what your seasonal allergies areattributed to affects how long your personal allergy season may last. Aside from a constant runny nose, many people experience additional symptoms. Here is a list of additional symptoms that you may experience with seasonal allergies:
· Temporary loss of smell due to the constant runny nose
· Postnasal drip with coughing
· Itchy, runny and burning eyes
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Dark circles under the eyes caused by increased blood flow to the sinuses
In addition, some people with allergies can develop asthma, which may cause coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Here are some suggestions for dealing with seasonal allergies:
· Clean bed linen frequently
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
Allergies Do Not Cause Fevers
People often wonder if allergies can cause a fever. The answer is no. Allergies cannot cause a fever, though you could have an allergy flare at the same time youre experiencing a fever from another infection.
With a cold, your temperature can run warmer, but typically it will be less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Who Develops Persistent Rhinitis
Persistent rhinitis is common. It can affect anyone of any age, although it affects adults more commonly than children. It is becoming increasingly common in older people. Many people with persistent rhinitis say they have a persistent cold. However, colds are due to viral infections and normally only last a week or so. Persistent rhinitis is not due to an infection.
Allergic rhinitis tends to run in families. You are also more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if you already have asthma or eczema. Equally, if you have allergic rhinitis, you are more likely to develop eczema or asthma. The conditions asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis are known together as atopic conditions, or atopy. A tendency to atopy can run in families.
How Long Is Treatment Needed For
Persistent rhinitis is an ongoing condition that usually needs regular treatment to prevent symptoms. However, over time the condition may ease and even go completely in some cases. It may be worth stopping treatment every six months or so to see if symptoms come back without the treatment. The treatment can be started again if symptoms return.
Of course, if you have persistent rhinitis caused by an allergy, if you remove the source of the allergy, your symptoms should reduce and stop. You may no longer need treatment.
Nasal Allergy Symptom 3: Sneezing
If youâve ever had a bout of uncontrollable sneezing, you know what a nuisance it can be. Some people have such severe sneezing episodes that they interfere with their daily life. But sneezing doesnât have to be that serious to seek relief.
If you canât avoid the allergen thatâs causing the sneezing, or if doing so doesnât help, try an over-the-counter antihistamine. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the label for any over-the-counter medicine. If that doesnât help, your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid spray.
Treating And Preventing Allergic Rhinitis
It’s difficult to completely avoid potential allergens, but you can take steps to reduce exposure to a particular allergen you know or suspect is triggering your allergic rhinitis. This will help improve your symptoms.
If your condition is mild, you can also help reduce the symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications, such as non-sedating antihistamines, and by regularly rinsing your nasal passages with a salt water solution to keep your nose free of irritants.
See a GP for advice if you have tried taking these steps and they have not helped.
They may prescribe a stronger medication, such as a nasal spray containing corticosteroids.
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 ?
Other Respiratory Tract Infections
Viral respiratory tract infections like influenza also may cause runny noses, especially in younger children. However, a runny nose is less common with the flu than the common cold. Other signs of a viral respiratory infection include a stuffy nose, cough, and a scratchy throat. Just like with a cold, the flow of mucus serves the function on ridding the virus from the body.
The viruses that cause the flu and common cold spread when children come into contact with nasal secretions of an infected person and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. That is why hand-washing and other good hygiene habits are so important to prevent the spread of viruses.
Nasal Allergy Symptom 1: Runny Or Stuffy Nose
A runny or stuffy nose is one of the most common symptoms. âThe best way to treat congestion is to treat the allergy thatâs causing it,â says Marshall Plaut, MD, chief of allergic mechanisms at the Asthma, Allergy and Inflammation branch of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases .
Start by trying to avoid your allergy triggers. If you donât already know what your allergy triggers are, an allergist can help you identify them.
Although it can be difficult to completely avoid some triggers, you may be able to reduce your exposure to them. For example, if pollen is a trigger, stay inside when pollen counts are high. If dogs or cats make you sniffle, wash your hands and change your clothes after playing with them.
Some people find that nasal irrigation using a Neti pot or a nasal rinse helps clear congestion. Over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, and cromolyn sodium nasal sprays can all help control nasal allergy symptoms. Donât use decongestant nasal sprays for more than three days at a time, however. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the label for any over-the-counter medicine.
If these remedies donât offer relief, your doctor may prescribe other treatments.
If your symptoms donât get better within 7 days or get worse after about 5 days, itâs time to see your doctor.
Diagnosing Colds And Allergies
You dont need to see your doctor for a cold, but if you do make an appointment, your symptoms will likely be enough for them to confirm your diagnosis.
If your doctor thinks you might have a bacterial infection such as strep throat or pneumonia, you might need other tests such as a throat culture or chest X-ray.
For allergies, you may need to see a primary care doctor, an ear-nose-throat doctor, or an allergist. The doctor will first ask about your symptoms. Severe or life-threatening allergic reactions often require the care of an allergy specialist.
A variety of tests can be used to diagnose allergies. A skin test can be used to determine your allergy triggers. Sometimes primary doctors or allergy specialists may also use blood tests to diagnose allergies depending on your age and other health conditions.
Nasal Allergy Symptom 5: Postnasal Drip
Normally, you swallow mucus without even knowing it. But if your mucus becomes thick, or if you have more mucus than normal, it results in postnasal drip. Thatâs when you can feel mucus dripping from the back of your nose into your throat. Postnasal drip can also feel like a lump in your throat and can lead to pain or irritation there.
In addition to avoiding your allergy triggers, try drinking extra fluids or using saline nasal spray to thin the mucus. Ask your doctor about other ways to get relief.
How To Tell Seasonal Nasal Allergies From The Common Cold
- Symptoms happen during pollen season
- Had the same symptoms during the same month last year
- Hay fever symptoms last 6-8 weeks for each pollen. .
- Allergies: itchy eyes and nose. Not seen with colds.
- Colds: fever and/or sore throat. Not seen with allergies
- Both: runny nose and watery eyes. Can also have a cough with both, but less common with allergies.
Which Allergens Commonly Cause Allergic Rhinitis
You probably know that pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds cause allergic rhinitis. Many people have allergies to dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, and mould as well. Things in the workplace, such as cereal grain, wood dust, chemicals, or lab animals, can also cause allergic rhinitis.
If you are allergic to pollens, you may have symptoms only at certain times of the year. If you are allergic to dust mites and indoor allergens, you may have symptoms all the time.
What Are My Treatment Options For Colds
Unfortunately, there is no cure for a cold virus once youve been infected. The good news is that there are many over-the-counter medications and products that can treat your symptoms. If extra rest, drinking hot fluids, nasal irrigation, and saline gargles and washes are not enough to manage your cold symptoms, you could benefit from:
Always read the Drug Facts label on all types of medications before you take them. Its possible that some active ingredients may be in more than one medicine. Also, please note that young children should not be given certain cough and cold medicines; check with your pediatrician before giving any medicine to young children and babies.
Its important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best allergy management strategy, depending on your living and work environment and unique sensitivities. With careful diagnosis and treatment, most people can find a way to manage their allergies successfully. Dont lose heart if youre struggling with allergy symptoms a physician can help you develop a plan to improve your situation. And if you have a cold instead of allergies be encouraged that most cold viruses fully resolve in a week or two, and that rest, fluids, or OTC medications can help you manage your symptoms more comfortably.
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Common Nasal Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can cause nasal tissue to swell. This makes the air passages smaller. The nose may feel stuffed up or itchy. The nose may also make extra mucus. This can plug the nasal passages or drip out of the nose. Mucus can drip down the back of the throat as well. Sinus tissue can swell. This may cause pain and headache. Common allergy symptoms include:
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Runny nose with clear, watery discharge
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Stuffy nose
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Drainage down your throat
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Sneezing
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Itchy nose, eyes, ears, and throat
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Plugged-up ears
What To Think About
If you don’t take your medicine, your symptoms may come back or get worse. When you give medicine to children, explain to them why they are taking medicine and how it can help them. Also tell them what side effects may occur.
You may use medicine daily for quick relief of symptoms that occur suddenly or are getting worse. Or you may use it in advance if you know you may breathe an allergen. For example, if you have severe pollen allergies, your doctor may suggest that you start using a corticosteroid spray 1 to 2 weeks before the pollen season starts.
Care Advice For Nose Allergies Or Hay Fever
Allergy Sore Throat Treatment
So, you have a sore throat, cough, runny nose and congestion. Have you caught a common cold or do you have allergy symptoms? Sometimes, it is even difficult for doctors to distinguish between the two, because their symptoms can be so similar. If you have persistent throat discomfort accompanied by other allergy symptoms, consider that you may have a sore throat due to allergies.
Can Allergies Cause A Cough
Yes, and you can blame it on your immune system. When your body mistakes a substance like pollen or mold as a harmful invader, it sets off an intense response to try and flush it out, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma &Immunology . During this process, your cells release histamine and other chemicals, which triggers an allergic reaction. Cue the cold-like symptoms, including a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing.
Allergy coughs are typically caused by swelling or irritation of the airways, the AAAI says. And, if you develop post-nasal dripwhen the mucus hanging out in your sinuses trickles down the back of your throatthat can also cause a cough, Dr. Bassett says.
What Are The Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis
In most cases, when you have allergic rhinitis:
- You sneeze again and again, especially after you wake up in the morning.
- You have a runny nose and post-nasal drip. The drainage from a runny nose caused by allergies is usually clear and thin. But it may become thicker and cloudy or yellowish if you get a nasal or sinus infection.
- Your eyes are watery and itchy.
- Your ears, nose, and throat are itchy.
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.
