Winning Over Nasal Allergy

So they say, the first step to winning any battle is to know the enemy. The case against nasal allergy is no exemption; therefore, it will be beneficial to be familiarized with it. Nasal allergy is also medically known as allergic rhinitis. This is a condition in which the  membranes lining the inside surface of the nose swell up, following exposure to certain substances that trigger an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction. Common examples of these allergy-triggering substances (generally termed as allergens) include pollen, molds, dust, dust mites, cockroaches, animal fur and dander. You are probably suffering from a nasal allergy attack if you experience consecutive sneezing, you always have a need to blow your nose because of all the clear nasal secretions, you constantly feel your eyes water, and you feel that your eyes, ears, nose and throat always seem to feel itchy.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can either be seasonal or perennial. A case of a seasonal nasal allergy is considered if the symptoms of rhinitis occur during particular times of the year - like in summer when pollens are at their peak amounts, or during damp weather when molds easily multiply. Perennial rhinitis, on the other hand, as its name suggests, can happen at any given season for as long as there has been an exposure to the allergen.

Defensive Plan

There are several things to try in order for you not to suffer the inconvenience of having nasal allergy. The first one may seem unlikely but yes, it works! You see, just like any other case of allergy, the key defensive strategy is often to prevent exposure to the allergen. Surely there is wisdom behind this advice. However, in some cases, people are actually GRADUALLY exposed to the allergen until they don’t react “violently” against it anymore. It’s like getting the body used to the presence of the allergens to prevent “overreaction”. Remember, however that this desensitization technique is done under the supervision of a qualified health professional. Deliberately exposing yourself to the allergens could be potentially life threatening especially if your allergy is severe.

If desensitization doesn’t work, it is best to minimize exposure by doing the following measures: Stay indoors as much as possible or avoid walking through fields, gardening, lawn mowing, and any other similar activity if you are allergic to pollen. You may also benefit from the use of air conditioners and air purifiers. Stay away from the litter box, or better yet, don’t keep an animal as a pet if animal dander triggers your nasal allergy. Rid your household or workplace of items that attract dust such as stuffed toys, drapes and carpets. Replace pillowcases and mattresses every 2-3 weeks. Make nasal flushing or nasal irrigation a part of your hygiene routine to decontaminate your nose from trapped allergens even before they cause the expected manifestations.

If these defenses fail, it might be necessary to fight back. The most common medications prescribed for nasal allergy are anti-histamines and nasal corticosteroids. These medications can be taken by mouth or applied topically through nebulization or medicated irrigation. There are pharmaceutical companies, take for example, Sinus Dynamics, which specializes in manufacturing customized sinusitis and rhinitis medications in forms compatible for use with their line of nebulizers (like SinusAero) and medicated irrigators (like SinusActive).