If you experience a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion in the same season year after year, you may be suffering from a common condition known as allergic rhinitis, or hay fever.
Common causes of allergic rhinitis include:
- Hay and weeds
- Pollens from grasses and trees
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
Allergic rhinitis may cause the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Headache
- Intermittent ear plugging (recurring, but not consistent)
- Chronic (lasting) cough
- Wheezing
- Intermittent hoarseness
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Chronic sinus or ear infection
Treatments
There are both over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help ease the symptoms of allergies. These include steroids, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory medications.
Nasal Spray
Your doctor may recommend that you regularly use a nasal spray to help clear out your nasal passage.
Lifestyle Modification
If possible, you should try to avoid the allergen that triggers your body’s immune system to react and causes the allergy symptoms.
Tests
Allergy Testing
Your specialist may order an allergy skin test to help determine the allergen(s) that are causing your symptoms. If results of the test are inconclusive, or if more information is needed, you may need to have your blood drawn and tested.
Why Choose UHealth?
Expert care with a personal touch. Our doctors are dedicated to spending as much time with you as you need and not rushing you through your visit. We answer all the questions you may have and provide you with the techniques and knowledge to help you get the most out of your medications. We’ll explain your laboratory results and how the medicine will impact the causes and symptoms of your condition and improve your quality of life.