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Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
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Are sneezes coming soon with the spring season? Commonly called “spring fever,” “rose fever,” or “hay fever,” allergic rhinitis is an irritation of the nose whereby the inside of the nose becomes inflamed after being exposed to an allergic trigger. Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects over 35 million Americans each year. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by the pollen from trees and grasses. Pollen is composed of tiny microscopic cells of flowering plants. You can recognize pollen as the yellow-green powder that collects on your car or porch. Trees pollinate first, usually the end of March, and grass pollinates by May. Pollen is measured in grains per cubic meter and pollen counts can be found on your local news weather forecast or on the internet (www.aaaai.org). Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include: sneezing; a stuffy or runny nose; dark circles under your eyes; itching of the nose, throat, or roof of the mouth; associated itching of the eyes; watery eyes; or red eyes. If you have asthma, your symptoms of coughing or wheezing may worsen. If you have eczema, it may also worsen during the pollen season. There are three ways to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis: Avoidance The best way to treat seasonal allergic rhinitis is to reduce your exposure to the pollen causing symptoms. There are several ways to reduce exposure: • Keep windows and doors closed and air conditioning on at home and in the car during the pollen season. Avoid using attic and window fans that draw in outside air. • Stay indoors when possible and minimize outdoor activity during peak pollen periods. • Shower or bathe and change clothing after outdoor activity. Medications A number of medications are available to control symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines work well in treating many of the symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, cause sedation and therefore may make it difficult for you to work or children to attend school or participate in sports. Over-the-counter cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratidine (Claritin or Alavert) are low- or non-sedating and, therefore, should be preferred. Prescription low- or non-sedating antihistamines, such as Allegra, Clarinex, and Xyzal, are good alternatives if over-the-counter medications are not effective. Intranasal corticosteroids are administered as nasal sprays and are sometimes required for more persistent symptoms. Allergy Shots Allergy shots consist of a series of injections that help prevent or decrease allergic reactions. Allergy shot treatment is the closest thing to a ‘cure’ for allergic symptoms. Allergy shot treatment is considered when medications do not reduce allergic symptoms. This therapy requires a long-term commitment. However, it is an extremely effective means of treatment to avoid the need for daily medication. Return to Doctor's Page
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