Allergic rhinitis, also known as allergies or hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes symptoms like nasal congestion and a runny nose. Having chronic allergic rhinitis may cause additional health problems.
What Triggers Hay Fever?
Both indoor and outdoor allergens can trigger a reaction. Some common triggers include pollen from trees and plants, dust mites, mold and pet dander. Depending on what you are allergic to, you may have symptoms year-round or experience them seasonally with a rise in pollen levels.
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
In addition to the symptoms already mentioned, allergic rhinitis can also cause:
- Sneezing
- Itchiness of the eyes, nose and throat
- Sinus pain
- Postnasal drip and sore throat
- General fatigue
Health Conditions Associated with Allergies
Chronic allergies can make your life more difficult. They can affect your sleep, cause you to miss time from work and make it harder to enjoy activities like taking in a baseball game at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.
Allergies can also make developing the following conditions more likely:
- Sinus infections. Chronic allergies can block your sinuses and lead to an infection. Symptoms of a sinus infection include pain in the forehead and upper face, stuffy nose and thick, colored mucus. You may also be more at risk of chronic sinusitis, which is a sinus infection lasting over 12 weeks.
- Asthma. Asthma and allergies are closely intertwined. Research suggests that up to 58% of asthmatic adults also have allergic rhinitis. People with allergies are more likely to develop asthma. Additionally, allergies can worsen asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.
- Ear problems. Dealing with frequent allergies can cause an increase in mucus in your ears and Eustachian tubes. This can lead to a variety of problems, such as clogged or plugged ears, pressure or pain in the ear, ear infections and temporary hearing loss.
When To Visit an Allergist
If you’re dealing with chronic allergy symptoms and any subsequent health issues caused by them, make an appointment with an allergist. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform allergy testing to identify your specific triggers and outline treatment options.
Your treatment will depend on several factors and may include:
- Tips on how to avoid or minimize exposure to your allergy triggers
- Antihistamines or other medications
- Immunotherapy (allergy shots or drops)
To learn more about managing your allergies or to schedule an appointment with one of our expert providers, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.