Allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies is a common allergic reaction that causes inflammation and swelling in the lining of the nose. This causes swelling of the turbinates in the nasal lining and sinuses, clear nasal discharge and postnasal drip.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
The most common nasal allergy symptoms are sometimes confused with the common cold. Signs of symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually occur in two phases.
Early phase allergic rhinitis signs and symptoms include runny nose, nasal itching, sneezing and nasal swelling. Later phases of allergy rhinitis causes signs and symptoms such as congestion, difficulty breathing, throat irritation, coughing, headache pain and pressure, sneezing and a runny nose. Chronic allergic rhinitis can also lead to upper respiratory infections.
What Triggers Nasal Allergy Symptoms?
People with nasal allergies are sensitive to certain allergens. These allergy triggers vary from person to person and can be seasonal or year round. Common allergens that cause allergic rhinitis include environmental triggers such as dust, pollen, animal fur and dander and household chemicals.
Outdoor molds and pollen from trees, grasses and weeds are seasonal triggers while dust mites, animal dander and mold spores that form in warm, damp and dark indoor areas are year-round allergic triggers.
Tips to Decrease Nasal Allergies
Allergic rhinitis can be decreased or avoided by taking steps to limit exposure to allergy triggers. To avoid pollen in the environment, check pollen counts during the day if living in an area of high pollen during the spring and summer months.
Also stay indoors and close windows if the outdoor pollen count is very high and use an air conditioner at home and in the car during the spring and summer if necessary. Some doctors also recommend placing petroleum jelly around the inner rims of the nostrils to help catch pollen in the air that is breathed in.
To avoid mold spores in the air keep rooms, closets and cupboards clean and dry to prevent mold from forming. Keep plants out of bedrooms and use a dehumidifier to air out damp rooms. A solution of eucalyptus oil or vinegar can be used to clean areas where mildew has formed, however if the mold growth is excessive the carpets, walls and insulation should be removed and replaced.
Prevent indoor dust mites by using allergy-proof covers on the box springs and mattress of beds and on cushions and pillows. Remove excess clutter that collects dust from the bedroom and vacuum carpet and furniture regularly. Also stay away from animal fur and dander by avoiding contact with furry or feathery pets and keeping them out of the bedroom and house if possible.
Reference:
Chronic Nasal and Sinus Dysfunction: Rhinitis
TLE101
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
