Apr

29

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Filed Under Allergy Attack, Allergy Symptoms, Allergy Prevention | Leave a Comment

Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder.  It affects over 20% of the American population.  It refers to an inflammation of the nasal passages.  Main symptoms include water nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes.  The symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually show up on sufferers who are particularly sensitive to dust, dander, or certain seasonal pollens.

Characteristic symptoms include repetitive sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, ears, nose or throat, runny nose, and general fatigue.  Symptoms may also include wheezing, tearing of eyes, sore throat, and an impaired sense of smell.  It is possible to also experience a chronic cough, but should not be mistaken for asthma.  Sinus headaches and plugging of the ears are also commonly suffered.

Although sufferers tend to show symptoms before the age of 30; in reality, they can appear at any age.  Allergic rhinitis can cause much loss in productivity and downtime.  Sufferers may experience symptoms so severe that they can be kept from school or work.  The cost in physician services and medications for treatment can easily run into millions of dollars. 

Many perennial and seasonal allergens cause allergic rhinitis.  Dust mites, molds, and animal dander are examples of year round allergens.  Tree, grass, and ragweed pollens are primarily seasonal outdoor allergens.  Seasonal pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination.
Findings are that plants that depend on insect pollination, such as goldenrod and dandelions, do not usually cause allergic rhinitis. 

Allergic rhinitis symptoms tend to develop more in early spring, late summer and early fall.  This is the time when mold spores grow in warm, damp environments.  However, do note that mold spores can also be measured indoors year round. 

Another potential source of problems come from animal allergens. Most animal allergens are secreted through the sebaceous glands of the animal’s skin. 

To be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, your doctor first need to do a physical exam.  Classic signs of allergic rhinitis include swelling of the eyelids, dark circles around the eyes, and extra skin folds in the lower eyelids.  Skin testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.  An intra-dermal testing is made if results of prick method testing return negative. 

Mostly, the treatment of allergic rhinitis center around reducing its symptoms. The best bet is avoidance of the allergen or minimization of exposure.  Medications may be used such as antihistamines and decongestants but they are best used not excessively.

Early childhood exposure to common household microbes, environmental bacteria, and fermented foods may help to reduce a child’s risk of developing allergies as they get older.  Childhood exposure to pets, especially during the first year of life when the immune system is still developing, has been associated with a decreased risk of allergies to pet dander.

Healthy eating habits and exercise can further strengthen the immune system and help avoid unwanted allergic reactions. 
 

Mar

18

Allergy Symptoms During Spring

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We look forward to the flowers and fresh breezes of spring. Everything smells so new and fresh that it makes you want to step outside your door and take a deep breath. For many people, these joys of spring are countered by uncomfortable or even dangerous allergy symptoms.

Seasonal allergies have brought down a favorite season for a vast number of people. Instead of going outside to plant flowers and enjoy the green grass, many people stay indoors with their windows shut and their air purifiers running at top speed. Is there any way to get out there and experience the season first hand instead of watching your neighbors through a plate glass window?

There are a few tips for allergy relief that may get you across the threshold and back to your outdoor hobbies.

1. Consider wearing a face mask. It may not be the exact look you were going for, but it beats staying indoors or having bright red eyes and nose. Although a mask will not keep all allergens out, it can reduce them substantially, thereby reducing allergy symptoms.
When you come in from outside, immediately shed your clothes and shoes. Get them into a hot washing machine and yourself into the shower to wash off the pollen that may have settled on your hair or skin.

2. Keep your house free of allergens by following household tips for an allergy–free home so that you have a safe refuge from allergens.

3. Consider the plants growing around your house. Even if you love the big, flowering bush immediately outside your door, it may be part of the reason you have been staying inside. If you know which plants you are more sensitive to, you can choose to landscape with less offending species of plants.

4. If you have skin allergies to plants or insects prevalent in the spring time, consider wearing long sleeve clothes and pants that hug the ankles. You can also put strings or rubber bands around your pant legs to keep plants or insects from ‘getting’ your ankles. If the weather is warm, you may be able to choose a light fabric that keeps plants and insects out, but lets you stay comfortable.

5. Some people choose to ‘step up’ their homeopathic treatment of allergies during the season when they have more symptoms. A natural remedy can help you manage your allergies without giving up your time outside. Choose a natural allergy treatment best suited to your individual needs.

Before you give up on doing your own gardening or even sitting out for a barbeque or picnic lunch, try a few tips to reduce allergy symptoms. You may want to start slow. Spend a little more time outside every day until you find what length of time you are comfortable with. Some days may be better than others, depending on the weather, humidity, and pollen count. However, with a little forethought and a few new ideas, this may be the best spring you have had in years.

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