According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergic rhinitis affects about 40 to 50 million people in the United States. Allergic rhinitis is a condition that affects the nose and sinuses. It occurs when the body overreacts to allergens in the air, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. Fortunately, allergic rhinitis can be well-managed with medication and the avoidance of triggers.
Identifying and avoiding your triggers can help reduce your symptoms. Common triggers for allergic rhinitis include pollen, dust mites, wood dust, animal dander, cockroaches, mold, fungi, smoke, chemical smells, fragrances, and latex.
Here, we will discuss how you can prevent your allergy triggers from causing allergy symptoms.
Keep Your Environment Clean
This means regularly dusting and vacuuming your home, as well as washing bedding and curtains on a regular basis. You may also want to consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter to eliminate allergens in the air as much as possible.
Plan Well and In Advance to Avoid Known Triggers
If you know that certain things trigger your allergies, do your best to avoid them. This could mean staying indoors on days when the pollen count is high or avoiding being around pets if you’re allergic to animal dander. You may need to plan ahead, especially during allergy season. Utilize a pollen calendar to help you prepare in advance and be successful in your avoidance strategy. For example, keep windows closed and use an air conditioner in the summertime; shower and change clothes after being outdoors; vacuum regularly; and wash bedding in hot water weekly.
Treat Your Symptoms
If you can’t avoid all of your triggers, there are still ways to help ease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Taking over-the-counter medications like an antihistamine, which can block the continued release of histamines, nasal corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the nasal passageway, while using a saline nasal spray can flush out irritants from the nose. If you are taking medication for allergic rhinitis, make sure to take it as directed.
Consider Immunotherapy
Avoidance of triggers can become very stressful, even more so if you have a hectic schedule. If avoidance measures aren’t enough to control your symptoms or if you are exhausted by avoiding your allergy triggers, allergy shots or allergy drops may help by gradually desensitizing you to triggering substances. This is a way to reduce or eliminate reliance on allergy medication, as your body is slowly trained to not react to your triggers. Medication used in immunotherapy is custom-made for the patient, and the allergy drops are highly convenient since they can be administered at home.
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment in Georgetown, TX
Dr. Scott William Franklin is our double board-certified ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor at Georgetown ENT, highly experienced in treating allergies. Dr. Franklin performs allergy testing in our clinic and offers highly advanced immunotherapy to the right candidate. Our allergy treatments are personalized, as they should be to best address patients’ conditions. To receive the best allergy treatment in Georgetown, TX, call our office today at (512) 869-0604 or use our convenient online form to schedule your appointment.
