Do you also have a stuffy nose and a runny nose? Is this a nasal allergy? (Allergic Rhinitis)

Do you wake up in the morning with a runny nose and itchy eyes ? Many people think that this is a common cold, but it could actually be a nasal allergy, or as we call it, an 'allergy'. Let's talk about this in detail and simply. You will find answers to many of your questions about this in this article.

What exactly is this nasal allergy?

Simply put, a nasal allergy is an unwanted reaction of our body to certain things in our environment (for example, pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, etc.). These things are not actually harmful to us. But our immune system sees these things as a big 'invader'.

So to fight this invader, our bodies release chemicals called histamine . It's this histamine that causes all of our allergy symptoms. That's why we get stuffy noses, itchy noses and eyes, runny noses, and constant sneezing. Some people can be allergic to more than one thing. And some people have seasonal allergies, while others have year-round allergies.

What is the connection between sinuses and allergies?

You've probably heard the word ' sinuses '. Sinuses are small air-filled cavities in our skull. They're located behind the nose, in the cheeks, on the forehead, and in the area between the eyes.

These sinus cavities are lined with mucous membranes. When you have an allergy, these mucous membranes swell due to the aforementioned histamine. When this swelling occurs, the pathways for mucus (snot) to exit the sinus cavities become blocked. Then, mucus and air get trapped inside, causing symptoms such as nasal congestion, pain, and pressure.

What are the common symptoms of nasal allergies?

The symptoms of an allergy can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms.

How does a doctor know if this is an allergy?

Usually, a doctor can tell if this is an allergy by examining you and listening to your symptoms and when they occur.

But if your symptoms are severe, or if you want to find out exactly what you're allergic to, an allergist may do a skin prick test . This involves putting a very small amount of the substance you think you're allergic to on your skin and pricking it with a small needle. If you're allergic to a substance, the area will turn red, swell, and itch within a few minutes.

What are the treatments for this?

The good news is that there are many effective treatments available to manage these symptoms. Let's take a look at them.

Medicines that can be taken without a doctor's prescription (OTC - Over-the-Counter)

These are the types of medications that you can buy over the counter at a pharmacy. But remember, even if you can, it's always wise to check with your doctor before using any medication. If you have other medical conditions, these medications may not be suitable for you.

• Antihistamines: These are the main type of medication given to people with allergies. They work by blocking the chemical histamine we talked about earlier. They are very effective for things like itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Cetirizine, Loratadine, and Fexofenadine are examples of these. Some older types (e.g. Chlorpheniramine) can make you feel drowsy when taken.
• Decongestants: These work by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nose, reducing nasal congestion. Pseudoephedrine is the most commonly used type. There are also nasal sprays. But remember, these sprays should not be used for more than 3 days in a row. Doing so can make nasal congestion worse. These pills are also not suitable for people with high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Steroid Nasal Sprays: These reduce swelling inside the nose and control symptoms. Types like Fluticasone and Budesonide are now available over-the-counter. They are generally safe and very effective. However, they should only be used under the supervision of a doctor.

Prescription Treatments

If OTC medications don't help, your doctor will prescribe a topical treatment.

• More powerful antihistamines , decongestants, and nasal sprays.
• Montelukast: This is a medication in a class called leukotriene modifiers. It also reduces allergy symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. This involves giving you small doses of the allergen on a regular schedule. Over time, your body becomes accustomed to the substance and stops reacting. This does not work for everyone. However, if it is successful, you can get long-term relief from the condition by taking this treatment for 3-5 years. Now, sublingual tablets are also available.

What can we do ourselves besides medication?

Another important thing, as well as medication, are simple changes we can make in our lifestyle.

1. Nasal Irrigation: Rinsing the inside of the nose with saline can help remove allergens, bacteria, and excess mucus. You can use a neti pot or a saline nasal spray for this. The most important thing: Use only distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water.

2. Controlling the environment: If you can stay away from things that cause allergies, that's the best thing to do.

• If you are allergic to dust mites , use special mattress covers on your mattresses and pillows. Wash bedding regularly in hot water.
• If you are allergic to pollen , keep the windows closed during periods of high pollen counts. If possible, use an air conditioner or air purifier with a HEPA filter.
• If you are allergic to pets , avoid bringing them into the bedroom.

3. Humidity: Dry air can make sinus pain worse. So add moisture to the air. Use a humidifier/vaporizer, take a hot bath, or hold a bowl of hot water in your hand and breathe in the steam .

4. Protection: Wear a mask when dusting or cleaning the garden.

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