Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Treatment in the Greater Columbus, OH Area

Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Treatment in the Greater Columbus, OH Area

If you sneeze a lot, if your nose is often runny or stuffy, or if your eyes, mouth, or skin often feel itchy, you may have allergic rhinitis, a condition that affects 40 million to 60 million Americans.

Like skin rashes and other allergies, allergic rhinitis develops when the body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problem in most people.

Allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever. But you don’t have to be exposed to hay to have symptoms. And contrary to what the name suggests, you don’t have to have a fever to have hay fever.

Allergic rhinitis / Hay Fever takes two different forms

Seasonal: Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis can occur in spring, summer, and early fall. They are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to airborne mold spores or pollens from grass, trees, and weeds.

Perennial: People with perennial allergic rhinitis experience symptoms year-round. It is generally caused by dust mites, pet hair or dander, cockroaches, or mold. Some people may experience both types of rhinitis, with perennial symptoms getting worse during specific pollen seasons. There are also non-allergic causes for rhinitis.

If you sneeze a lot, if your nose is often runny or stuffy, or if your eyes, mouth, or skin often feel itchy, you may have allergic rhinitis, a condition that affects 40 million to 60 million Americans.

Like skin rashes and other allergies, allergic rhinitis develops when the body’s immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problem in most people.

Allergic rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever. But you don’t have to be exposed to hay to have symptoms. And contrary to what the name suggests, you don’t have to have a fever to have hay fever.



Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Symptoms
  • Runny nose
  • Itchy eyes, mouth, or skin
  • Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion
  • Fatigue (often reported due to poor quality sleep as a result of nasal obstruction)
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Triggers
  • Outdoor allergens, such as pollens from grass, trees, and weeds
  • Indoor allergens, such as pet hair or dander, dust mites, and mold
  • Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, and diesel exhaust
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Diagnosis
  • Evaluation by Allergist to confirm the correct diagnosis
  • Allergy skin testing is easy, rapid, and relatively painless
Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever Management and Treatment

Avoidance

  • Avoid triggers by making changes to your home and your behavior
  • Keep windows closed during high pollen periods; use air conditioning in your home and car.
  • Wear glasses or sunglasses when outdoors to keep pollen out of your eyes.
  • Use “mite-proof” bedding covers to limit exposure to dust mites and a dehumidifier to control mold (if you smell mildew, you likely have mold).
  • Wash your hands after petting any animal and have a nonallergic person help with pet grooming, preferably in a well-ventilated area or outside.

Medication Treatment

  • Antihistamines
  • Oral
    • OTC – Zrytec®, Allegra®, Claritin®
    • Prescription – Xyzal®
  • Nasal
    • OTC steroids – Flonase®, Nasacort®
    • Prescription – Dymista®, Qnasal®, Nasonex®
  • Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
    • Most effective long-term treatment; may cure allergies and prevent asthma. Oral immunotherapy (allergy shots without shots) may be effective.
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