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Allergic Rhinitis
- Symptoms and Tratment
Allergic rhinitis results from the inflammation and irritation of the nasal mucosa (lining of the nose) in response to a wide variety of allergic stimuli pollen, house dust, animal dander, fungus, molds, foods, grasses, etc. Allergic rhinitis may only be seasonal (when that particular stimulus is prevalent) or "year around" for the patient with multiple environmental allergies.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Common symptoms include a clear, watery nasal discharge, itchy nose, and sneezing with watery and itchy eyes. There is usually no sore throat or fever present. The patient is bothered by the allergic symptoms, but does not have the "run down" feeling that accompanies a cold.
Evaluation and Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Evaluation may involve allergy testing with conventional skin testing, or blood (RAST) testing often performed by a specialized physician known as an Allergist. Sinus x-rays may be performed to rule out sinus infection.
1.Oral antihistamines (Benadryl is available nonprescription). There are newer, longer lasting antihistamines available by prescription (Hismanal, Seldane) that do not have the sedative side effects of other antihistamines.
2. Allergy control eye drops (some nonprescription forms are available). Stronger drops are available only by prescription (Opticrom 4% Eye Drops)
3. Decongestants (numerous nonprescription medications available).
4. Steroid nasal sprays (Nasalide, by prescription only) and inhalers (Beconase Nasal Inhaler).
5. With desensitization therapy (repeated weekly injections of a mixture of allergens), your allergic symptoms may decrease.
Approximately 80% of all patients will improve with this treatment.
6. An air conditioned atmosphere in which unwanted allergens are filtered out.
7. LIMITING YOUR EXPOSURE TO THE OFFENDING AGENT.
8. Antibiotics in cases where secondary bacterial infection (sinusitis) may exist.
The Allergist/Immunologist can help you with this problem.
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