Nasal Allergies
Alternate Names : Allergic Rhinitis, Allergic Rhinosinusitis, Hay Fever
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Many allergens are present in the air, so it may be very difficult for some
people to prevent nasal allergies.
If a person's allergies are triggered by cats or specific animals, it is
important to keep the animals out of the home.
People who suffer from dust or dust mite allergies can benefit from
having wood floors. They can use airtight pillow and mattress covers. Persons with severe
nasal allergies may consider moving to a drier climate.
People with nasal allergies should avoid tobacco smoke.
Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine, can block the symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays, such as cromolyn,
help to stop mast cells from releasing their substances. Nasal steroids stop the mast cell from
discharging and thus prevent early symptoms.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Most of the long-term effects occur in those who have
prolonged or frequent periods of allergic disease. The presence of allergic
rhinitis increases the risk of
asthma four times. People with chronic allergies, such as those who are sensitive to dust, are more likely to develop chronic long-term symptoms.
Individuals who have allergic disease for long periods, such as spring through
fall, may also develop long-term symptoms. These long-term symptoms include:
chronic cough
constant nasal congestion
excessive, thick nasal mucus
facial pain
fatigue
loss of sense of smell
sinus headaches
snoring, in persons with chronic nasal congestion
Nasal allergies can predispose an individual to sinus infections and
asthma.
Lost productivity costing billions of dollars per year occurs because of allergic
disease.
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