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.