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Allergic rhinitis occurs when a person is introduced to a particular type of allergen. These allergens can range from dust to grass to anything that may potentially irritate the nose and throat. Often referred to as hay fever, allergic rhinitis affects millions of individuals nationwide. This seasonal disorder, while not detrimental or life-threatening, can be irritating and possibly embarrassing.
Allergens cause the body to release histamine, which is a chemical used to defend the body. However, histamine also has several side effects such as runny or clogged nose, excessive sneezing, and sore eyes. A person may also experience difficulty in breathing. Hay fever usually runs in families. If both parents are susceptible to seasonal allergy, chances are high that their children will develop hay fever as well. Symptoms occur immediately after contact with the substance, and they could worsen over time. It is highly recommended to visit an otolaryngologist, such as Robert R. Beltran, M.D., when the individual is already suffering from clogged ears, a decreased sense of smell, sore throat, or is fatigued and irritable. Preventing and treating the condition early on will reduce the risk of the illness developing into a more severe disorder.
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Mild allergic rhinitis can be treated with a nasal wash that removes mucus from the nose. More intense forms of the allergy are treated with the following types of medicine:
- Antihistamines
- Corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Leukotriene inhibitors
- Allergy shots
- Sublingual immunotherapy treatment
It is important to note that the last three treatment options are meant for more severe types of the allergy and should only be done upon the recommendation of a trusted medical health professional.
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Robert R, Beltran, M.D., is a trusted California-based otolaryngologist. Fluent in both Spanish and English, he assists patients with ear, nose, or throat problems. For more information, please like this Facebook page .
