Allergic Rhinitis
The nose is a common area for symptoms of allergies. The mucosa inside the nose is used to trap many contaminants that are in the air, keeping them from entering the lungs and body. Pollen, dust, dander and other common allergens can be caught in the mucosa in the nasal passages, which could trigger an allergic response in some people. Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, which affects millions of people every year. At Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT, we provide diagnosis and treatment for allergic rhinitis at our medical clinic in Alpharetta, GA.
Causes and Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic reactions in the body often cause inflammation. If you are allergic to a substance (allergen), you may have a variety of allergic reactions, from itchy eyes and throat to hives, rashes and breathing restriction. When the symptoms affect the nose, it is called allergic rhinitis and it can result in the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Post nasal drip
- Itchy nose
Allergic rhinitis occurs when there is an overreaction by the immune system to an allergen. Also called hay fever, the most common allergen is pollen, but dust, mold, pet dander and many other airborne substances can trigger allergic rhinitis. The release of histamine and other chemicals occurs in the mucosa of the nose, resulting in the associated symptoms.
Relief from Hay Fever Symptoms
If you are one of the millions of people who have allergic rhinitis, you know how miserable the symptoms can make you feel. Most people have seasonal allergies that come and go, but many people have year-round allergic rhinitis. There are many over-the-counter medications to help combat the symptoms of nasal allergies, but not everyone gets relief from these treatments. There may be other related conditions like sinusitis or adenoid hypertrophy that could be contributing to your symptoms.
If you are experiencing chronic allergic rhinitis and want relief, come see our ENT specialist in Alpharetta, GA. We can provide a comprehensive examination and determine the best treatment option. To schedule your appointment, contact our team at Julie Zweig, MD Integrative Sleep & ENT.
