Breathe deep: How to avoid pollen

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Nasal allergies that are seasonal, meaning the sneezing comes during the spring, late summer, or fall, are most likely caused by pollens. Pollens are the male reproductive cells of seed plants that can be found virtually anywhere. Although it may seem impossible to escape them, there are ways a person can avoid exposure to these allergy-inducing pollens.

Monitoring your area’s pollen count can help you plan your activities when pollen in the atmosphere is small. Pollen count is particularly high in the mornings and on warm, dry, and windy days. The best times for outdoor activities are after 10AM, or after a rainfall.

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Pollen sticks to any material, particularly on the clothing and hair. Do not hang your clothes out to dry during times with high pollen count. Make sure to change clothes and wash your hair after coming from the outside, as pollens may be transferred to your pillow cases and bed sheets. Minimizing contact with objects that have frequent contact with pollen (like pets and people who are outdoors most of the time) can also lessen allergy attacks.

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It’s also best to visit a doctor to know which kind of pollen you are allergic to and what medication to get in case of an allergy attack. Following these tips will ensure you that allergies will not take control of your life, even with pollens.

Robert R. Beltran, M.D., is a California-based otolaryngologist specializing in allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis. Learn more about how to avoid and manage allergies by visiting this Facebook page.

Nonallergic rhinitis: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

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Nonallergic rhinitis is a condition that has all the symptoms of an allergy – chronic sneezing, congested and drippy nose – with no apparent cause. The inside of the nose is inflamed, and the blood vessels expand which causes the lining of the nose to swell. The mucus glands are then stimulated, resulting in congestion. Nonallergic rhinitis usually occurs in adulthood, with symptoms that last year round.

One of the most common causes of nonallergic rhinitis is the environment. Irritants that float in the air, such as car exhaust, cigarette smoke, strong cleaning agents, smog, perfume, or wood dust can trigger an attack. Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, contraceptives, and antidepressants can also cause a reaction. Other causes are spicy food, alcoholic beverages, weather changes, illegal drugs, hormonal changes, and stress.

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Diagnosis and treatment of this condition are usually given when allergic rhinitis has been ruled out. A skin test is usually administered to determine if the allergens cause the symptoms. Once it has been determined, treatment is then administered depending on the severity of the condition. Medications can range from nasal sprays (saline, corticosteroid, antihistamine, anti-drip anticholinergic, and decongestant) and oral decongestants. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be performed.

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Nonallergic rhinitis may not be harmful, but it can be very annoying and can make a person miserable. The correct treatment can give a person with nonallergic rhinitis relief without the risk of any side effects. Consult with your doctor to make sure you are diagnosed and medicated properly.

California-based doctor Robert R. Beltran specializes in treating chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. Follow this Twitter account for the latest medical news and updates.