Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms including:

• Nasal congestion
• Itching of eyes, throat or skin
• Clear nasal drainage
• Plugging of the ears
• Decreased hearing
• Watering eyes
• Trouble swallowing or breathing
• Post-nasal drip

Treatment for allergic symptoms include:

• Prevention: avoiding exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms

• Some examples:
• Dust: consider a HEPA filtration system, removing carpet and drapes from the home
• Outdoor pollens and grasses: HEPA filtration system, keep windows closed, stay indoors during peak pollen hours
• Pet dander: do not let animals in the bedroom

• Nasal saline sprays (Ocean Spray, Xlear, etc.): rinses out allergens from the nose, moisturizes the nose, and reduces need for allergy medications

• Nasal steroid sprays (Flonase, Nasonex, Rhinocort)
• First line treatment for adults (in children, not recommended to be used for longer than 6 months)
• Treats the allergic reaction in the nose where it begins
• Reduce nasal congestion / swelling
• Can cause bloody noses: if this occurs, stop use for at least 2 weeks

• Over the counter antihistamines (Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin)
• Prescription medications such as montelukast, azelastine, Dymista
• Immunotherapy: i.e. allergy shots, performed by an allergist

In some cases, a referral to an allergist may be made so that allergy testing (skin or blood test to determine what you are allergic to) can be performed.

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