Sneezing is often associated with colds and often results in stuffy or runny nose and watery eyes. To help alleviate your cold symptoms, doctors would usually prescribe cold medications to lessen your sniffles. But if you sneeze a lot, suddenly feel itchy all over, or end up with runny nose and watery eyes even without symptoms of colds, chances are you may have allergic rhinitis.
It is said that around 40 to 60 million – or even more – Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis. Also known as hay fever, this condition often affects your nasal area. If you think you have allergic rhinitis, you should consult an allergist doctor near you and given the right medications to manage the condition.
Knowing more about allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis usually occurs when you inhale something that you are allergic to, such as pollen, pet dander, or a certain perfume. This condition also occurs if you ingest something that you are allergic as well, such as seafood or eggs. However, the more commonly known type of allergic rhinitis is more on the former wherein you experience adverse reactions upon inhalation of an allergic.
There are instances wherein a person do not realize he or she is allergic to something unless already inhaled or ingested. In such cases, it can result in the manifestation of similar symptoms as in common colds such as a runny and stuffy nose, and watery eyes. If you experience this after suspicion of getting into contact with a potential allergen, head to the nearest allergy clinic immediately.
As mentioned, allergic rhinitis or hay fever is usually triggered by a pollen allergic reaction. In other words, it may happen when you are outdoors as they may come from plants and then blown away by the wind. However, it can also happen indoors especially if you are not fond of regular dusting and if you have furry pets.
Types of allergic rhinitis
It is important to note that allergic rhinitis or hay fever has two major forms: seasonal and perennial. The former occurs especially during springtime to early fall, and are usually caused by airborne spores or pollen from trees, weeds, and grass.
The latter, on the other hand, happens all year-round. It can be caused by indoor or outdoor allergen triggers like dust mites, pollen, pet dander. Some food allergies may also result in perennial allergic rhinitis, although this is a rare instance. In some cases, there are people who experience both.
That is why you should consult an allergy doctor if you experience possible symptoms of hay fever. An allergy specialist doctor will provide medications and treatment to help manage your condition. At the same time, it will prevent your condition from worsening which can lead to further complications.
Symptoms
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology or AAAAI revealed that there is around eight percent of American adults suffer from hay fever. On the other hand, it is also believed that as much as 30 percent of the total global population have this condition.
An allergy physician and other allergy experts suggest getting treatment from allergies if you or someone you know experience one or more of the following symptoms.
- Repetitive sneezing
- Runny, stuffy, and itchy nose
- Itchy or sore throat
- Coughing
- Itchy and watery eyes (usually accompanied with sneezing and runny nose)
- Itchy and dry skin, or hives in worse cases
- Fatigue and headache
These symptoms usually show up as immediately as you come into contact with an allergen. On the other hand, some of the symptoms such as fatigue and headache may occur following long-term exposure to the specified allergens. Nevertheless, it is best to consult an allergist doctor to help manage your condition.
Treatment
Doctors would normally prescribe antihistamines to help manage allergic symptoms. Antihistamines work by halting the production of histamines in the body, of which the latter contribute to the allergic reactions. Among common over-the-counter antihistamine medications include loratadine (popularly known as Claritin), cetirizine (also known as Zyrtec), and diphenhydramine (generic name of Benedryl).
Some are also given nasal decongestants to relieve sinus pressure and stuffy nose. However, prolonged use of these products can result in a rebound effect and make the condition worse. Also, it is better to consult an allergist first before taking or using these medications.
Finding an allergy expert near you
If you experience any symptoms of allergic rhinitis, never delay treatment. Instead, visit the best allergist in Germantown MD immediately for proper treatment.