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Allergies
Nasal allergies can cause a variety of symptoms including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, and itching. Eyes can be affected as well, leading to itching, tearing, and redness. The condition goes by many names including allergic rhinitis, hay fever, nasal allergies, etc. Symptoms can be seasonal or year-round and often interfere with a person’s quality of life. An estimated 1.5 million school days and 3.4 million work days are missed every year because of allergies. In the U.S., patients spend over $2 billion every year on over-the-counter medications alone. It is a huge problem that continues to increase every year.What can patients do to help with an allergic nose or eyes? The first thing most people do is reach for over-the-counter medications. This can include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. Antihistamines, such as Zyrtec or Benadryl, can help in mild cases and may be enough to control symptoms entirely. Nasal sprays such as Afrin can be very effective; however, they should be used for no longer than three days in a row. One option people tend to overlook is nasal lavage, such as NeilMed Sinus Rinse. Most patients want to know what they are allergic to. Sometimes a clear connection between a trigger and a person’s symptoms is obvious. Other times, it is fairly obscure. Often, a particular trigger will be blamed for a person’s allergies when it is really something else in the air at the same time that is the true cause. It is best to seek medical advice from an allergist to determine your exact allergies. As a part of the investigation, most allergists will use a process called skin testing. This test remains the most reliable way to determine a person’s allergies. The results from the skin testing will help an allergist determine the best way to minimize a person’s exposures. Avoidance measures are important, as they can be very powerful in reducing a person’s inflammation and symptoms.If avoidance measures do not work or they are not feasible, the next step is a prescription nasal spray. Usually a steroid, it works to decrease the inflammation caused by allergens. Patients can see an improvement in congestion, sneezing, and post-nasal drip while using a nasal spray. Even eye symptoms can improve on these medications. They are considered safe because only a very tiny amount of the steroid gets into the bloodstream. However, they can cause irritation if used improperly. Some patients with certain eye conditions should use them with caution. With any prescription medication, you should discuss its use with your physician. There are many other medications your physician may try in an effort to help control your nasal allergies. If none of these options work, your allergist may offer a treatment called allergen immunotherapy. This is also known as “allergy shots.” It is a process of injecting a patient with increasing doses of what they are allergic to. They are extremely effective; 80 to 90% of people on allergy shots get up to a 50% reduction in symptoms or medication use. Immunotherapy may be the most powerful tool we have. Nasal allergies can be complex in what symptoms they cause, the triggers responsible for them, and the options for therapy. But with proper investigation and treatment, most people experience excellent relief. If you think you suffer from allergies, discuss your symptoms with your physician or an allergist. For more information, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology at http://www.aaaai.org/patients.stm , or the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology at http://www.acaai.org/public/ . |
