There Are Steps You Can Take to Reduce Your Reaction to Environmental Allergies

Also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever, environmental allergies are triggered in the hose when certain allergens are detected. Your body releases histamine, which can make breathing hard due to the inflammation and swelling in the nasal membranes. Hay fever can also result in nasal congestion and reduced sinus drainage when blocked.

While millions of people suffer from hay fever each year, too many of them believe that there is not much that can be done. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group we are here to assure you that there are steps that can be taken to reduce your symptoms. Read on to learn more and then contact us at 805-658-9500 to schedule an appointment with a specialist.

Understanding the symptoms of environmental allergies

Everyone can react to hay fever differently but there are some symptoms that are more common than others. They include difficulty breathing, runny nose, nosebleeds, itchiness in the eyes, throat, or ears, and sneezing. Dealing with these symptoms is challenging for everyone but is especially hard for kids. Breathing problems caused by hay fever can result in poor school or work performance.

Potential causes of rhinitis

Remember that at its core, hay fever / rhinitis is just the inflammation of the membrane within the nose. It can be caused by many elements – only some of which are naturally occurring allergens. Some examples including the common cold, chlorinated pools, or cigarette smoke.

There is a potential link between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis

The environmental allergens that result in rhinitis can result in sinusitis. In some cases it is chronic and in others it is recurring. Either way, nasal inflammation / blocking prevents the body from removing excess mucus. That mucus then clogs the sinuses and can cause symptoms like headaches, nasal congestion, discharge (usually thick green or yellow), fatigue, facial pain, and fever. If sinusitis lasts four weeks or less it is considered acute but if it lasts more than four weeks it is considered chronic.

Potential treatments to relieve the symptoms of hay fever

If you want to breathe easier then we highly recommend contacting an allergist right away. We will begin by completing the proper testing, whether skin prick or blood testing. This helps us determine what environmental aspects you are allergic to so that you can avoid them or find ways to reduce the triggers.

We may also provide other treatment options to relieve the symptoms. Some examples include corticosteroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants. Depending on what the allergen is, we may also offer immunotherapy options like allergy shots.

Every case is different and we can help with them all

You do not need to live with the pain, discomfort, and inconvenience. Just contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 today to schedule an appointment with us. We look forward to helping you find the cause of your issue and the right treatment plan.