NASAL ALLERGIES

What are nasal allergies?

Nasal allergies, otherwise known as rhinitis, is the iflamation of the nose caused by an allergen such as pollen, dust and skin cells of certain animals. It can last anywhere from a few hours to 10 days. Typically, it takes from 12 hours to 3 days. Even with treatment, symptoms can last 2 to 4 weeks.

What causes nasal allergies?

Nasal allergies are caused by allergens that our immune system responds to by creating an allergic reaction. Common causes include dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen from trees and plants. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, nasal congestion and irritation of the nose, throat, mouth and eyes.

Symptoms of nasal allergies

• The nose may feel stuffed up, sometimes making it difficult to breathe.
• The nose may also make extra mucus, which can plug the nasal passages or drip out of the nose. Mucus can drip down the back of the throat (postnasal drip) as well. Sinus tissue can also swell, causing pain and headache.
• Watery eyes and sneezing.
• Fatigue and malaise.

 

Can allergies be cured?

Nasal allergies cannot be cured but they can be curbedor go away once the allergen causing irritation is detected and eradicated from the surroundings.

Since allergies are the response of our immune system to foreign components, gradually weaking of the immune system due to age can also cause nasal allergies to fade away.

 

Treatment for nasal allergies

• Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available with a prescription or over the counter. They work by blocking the histamine that your body releases during an allergic response
• Decongestants: These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can take decongestants by mouth (in pill or liquid form) or use a nasal spray.
• Leukotriene inhibitors: Since the body releases leukotriene and histamine along with other hormones that trigger nasal allergies, these medications cruh the release of leukotriene and are available only with a prescription.
• Immunotherapy: this method involves training out bodies to becoming immune to allergens that trigger out allergies. Immunotherapy can be used in the form of a pill that you place under your tongue.

 

QUESTIONS REGARDING NASAL ALLERGIES

Can COVID-19 worsen allergies?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease characterized by symptoms that may in part overlap with some symptoms of an allergy (including asthma or eczema). Many of the preventative measures used in combatting COVID-19 spread such as face coverings and handwashing can aggravate allergy symptoms.  Furthermore, people with a history of severe allergic reactions should be careful when receiving a COVID-19 vaccination, as some of the vaccinations may not be suitable for people with allergies.

That being said, people diagones with COVID-19 in the last or present may have allergic reactions worse than before in several cases.

Can stress trigger allergies?

Stress is the way our body responds to conditions inside or outside the body. When stressed, several stress inducing hormones are released in our body which includes histamine, an allergy triggering hormone. Since stress does not directly play the part in the creation of an allergy, it sure does trigger a reaction out of the body.