Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which your nasal passages become inflamed. Symptoms associated with this condition generally include itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose. The condition affects roughly one in five Americans and can develop at almost any age.The condition is usually chronic and, if left untreated, can result in colds or other illnesses. It can also be a genetic condition, but depending on environmental factors, it can bother and become troublesome for almost anyone. The following are guidelines on treat and prevent the illness.
Diagnosis
Allergic rhinitis, if left untreated, can often become severe enough to interfere with your life and everyday activities. If it does become severe enough to disrupt your life, a trip to your medical doctor may be necessary. The doctor will likely do a physical exam and inquire about your medical and family history. Your doctor will note any swelling of the eyes or nasal passages and other physical signs of allergic rhinitis such as dark circles under the eyes. Once it has been established that you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, your doctor will come up with a treatment and prevention plan for you to follow. There are a variety of treatments, as described below.
Types of Treatment
A number of medications are used to treat allergic rhinitis. Some are available over the counter, and others are available only by a prescription. Over-the-counter medications include Benadryl and Claritin. The time of day that you must take this medication will determine the one you choose to use. Some medications, like Benadryl or Diphenhydramine, carry a warning that it may cause drowsiness. Others, such as Claritin or Chlorpheniramine Maleate, ease the same symptoms but generally will not cause daytime drowsiness. There are also medications that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Advil Allergy tablets. However, due to new FDA warnings about the possible dangers of pseudoephedrine, these types of medications are available only through the pharmacy and are kept behind the counter.
Prescription medications for allergic rhinitus include extra strength Zyrtec, Clarinex or Allegra. Some of these medications are a combination of antihistamine and decongestant. Your medical doctor will choose the one he thinks is right for you. There are also prescription and over-the-counter nasal sprays. Prescription nasal sprays include Flonase and Nasonex. Over-the-counter sprays include ones such as Ocean and Afrin, and are saline solutions that help moisturize and soothe dry, inflamed nasal passages. Nasal sprays may be used for a short or extended amount of time, depending on what your doctor recommends.
Another option could be allergy shots, which are given at your doctor's office. Allergy shots are given at regular intervals with increasing doses, sometimes over the course of several years. Allergy shots are generally given to sufferers of severe allergic rhinitis after other treatments have been tried and proven unsuccessful. Talk with your doctor about which treatment method would be best for your unique situation.
Prevention
Allergic rhinitis, although sometimes genetic, can be triggered by such environmental factors as pet dander, pollen, dust and mold. Although there isn't a cure for the illness, finding your triggers can greatly increase your chances of being more symptom-free. Wearing a dust mask while outside or mowing the lawn can reduce the number of allergens that can worsen your symptoms.
Avoiding open windows during the spring and fall seasons when symptoms can be at their worst can also help, as well as changing your air conditioner filters regularly and vacuuming your carpets, preferably with an allergen-reducing vacuum cleaner. If you suffer from severe symptoms, an air purifier may also be necessary. Reducing allergens as much as possible, along with a treatment plan, can make allergic rhinitis less debilitating and more manageable.
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