Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the nose, and often the eyes. It’s often known as nasal allergies. Nasal allergies are often due to things in the environment that are breathed in. Depending on what you're sensitive to, nasal allergies may occur only during certain seasons, or they may occur year round. Common indoor allergens include house dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander. Outdoor allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Symptoms include a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose. They also include sneezing and red and itchy eyes. You may feel tired more often. Severe allergies may also affect your breathing and trigger a condition called asthma.
Tests can be done to see what allergens are affecting you. You may be referred to an allergy specialist for testing and further evaluation.
Home care
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines to help relieve allergy symptoms. These may include oral medicines, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Take these as directed by your provider. Don't share these prescription medicines with others.
Ask your provider for advice on how to stay away from substances that you're allergic to. Below are a few tips for each type of allergen.
Pet dander:
-
Don't have pets with fur and feathers.
-
If you have a pet, keep it out of your bedroom and off upholstered furniture.
-
Don't pet, hug, or kiss the pet. If you do touch the pet, wash your hands afterwards.
Pollen:
-
When pollen counts are high, keep windows of your car and home closed. If possible, use an air conditioner instead.
-
Wear a filter mask when mowing or doing yard work. Shower, wash your hair, and change clothes after being outside.
House dust mites:
-
Wash bedding every week in hot water and detergent and dry on a hot setting.
-
Cover the mattress, box spring, and pillows with allergy covers.
-
If possible, sleep in a room with no carpet, curtains, or upholstered furniture.
Cockroaches:
-
Store food in sealed containers.
-
Keep cabinets and floors clean and free of food crumbs.
-
Remove garbage from the home promptly.
-
Fix water leaks.
-
Block all areas where cockroaches can enter the home. Or have a professional exterminator remove the cockroaches.
Mold:
-
Keep humidity low by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner. Keep the dehumidifier and air conditioner clean and free of mold.
-
Clean moldy areas with bleach and water. Don't mix bleach with other cleaners.
In general:
-
Vacuum once or twice a week. If possible, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
-
Don't smoke. Stay away from cigarette smoke. And don't let people smoke in your home or car. Cigarette smoke is an irritant that can make symptoms worse.
Follow-up care
Follow up as advised by the healthcare provider or our staff. If you were referred to an allergy specialist, make this appointment promptly. Ask your provider if allergy testing or allergy immunotherapy (such as allergy shots) are right for you.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if these occur:
-
Coughing
-
Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
-
Raised red bumps (hives)
-
Symptoms that are new, continue, or get worse
Call 911
Call 911 right away if you have:
-
Trouble breathing
-
Severe swelling of the face or severe itching of the eyes or mouth
-
Wheezing or shortness of breath
-
Chest tightness
-
Dizziness or lightheadedness
-
Feeling of doom
-
Stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea