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Are Your Nasal Allergies Causing You Discomfort?
See a Nasal Allergy Doctor in Melbourne, FL
Dr. Pavana Beerelli is a board-certified nasal allergy doctor in Melbourne, FL that can help you and your children thrive over nasal allergies.
“I have been a patient of Dr. Beerelli’s for about three years now. She has made a huge difference in my allergies — no more sinus infections or itchy eyes. Super nice, too.”
– Michelle C, July 2018
Nasal Allergy Overview
Nasal Allergy Overview
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Management
Allergies affect the nose when the nasal mucous membranes are exposed to irritants like pollen, pet hair, mold, and dust. People suffering from nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are also likely to experience allergy symptoms in their eyes. Nasal allergies often worsen asthma symptoms as well.
Types of Nasal Allergies
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Individuals with seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, experience sensitivity to pollens, grass, and other plants during the early fall, spring, and summer.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
When nasal symptoms occur year-round, allergic rhinitis is likely caused by indoor allergens including mold, pet hair, or dust mites. Perennial allergic rhinitis may worsen during pollen season.
Nonallergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis can be nonallergic and caused by other irritants that do not involve the immune system overreacting to an allergen such as smoke and perfume. Nonallergic rhinitis can also result from upper respiratory infections or flu.
Nasal Allergy Symptoms
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and triggers inflammation of the nasal lining. The resulting inflammation also increases sensitivity to inhalants including air of varying temperature or humidity, strong odors, and smoke.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion with or without postnasal drip
- Sneezing
- Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
- Tearing eyes
Seasonal Nasal Allergies Versus Common Cold
Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish allergic rhinitis from rhinitis that occurs with the common cold. However, there are some notable differences in the timeline of their development as well as in symptoms. Allergies are more consistent in their onset and duration, occuring during specific seasons and lasting 2 to 3 weeks in length per allergen. Allergic rhinitis is also associated with itchiness in the mucosal linings of the eyes, nose, and throat. In contrast, the common cold usually lasts for 1 week and is typically not associated with an itchy nose or eyes.
Nasal Allergy Diagnosis & Management
Diagnosing a nasal allergy first involves obtaining a detailed medical history. For example, you may have a history of nasal polyps or a deviated septum, which can be associated with nasal allergies. After assessing your symptoms and performing a physical exam, your allergist may recommend additional skin testing where small quantities of potential allergens are pricked, scratched, or injected into your skin and then examined for any reactions.
If you have been diagnosed with nasal allergies, it is important to take precautions to minimize exposure to allergens and to manage your symptoms with appropriate therapies.
Effective Prevention
By limiting your exposure to allergens, you can reduce or prevent nasal allergy symptoms from occurring. Some preventative measures to take during allergy season include:
- Limit time spent outdoors, especially when pollen counts are high
- Wear protective equipment when outdoors such as sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat to reduce pollen exposure
- Close car and house windows
- Remove carpet or steam clean carpets because they can trap allergens
- Allergy-proof your home by keeping pets away from your bedding, using dust mite proof covers, vacuuming with a HEPA filter, and cleaning frequently to reduce dust as well as other allergens
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
Scheduled injections of a diluted allergen in increasingly larger doses over the course of several years may be of benefit to individuals with allergic rhinitis who do not respond well to other medications.
References
[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: https://acaai.org/
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
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See a Nasal Allergy Doctor in Melbourne, FL
Are your nasal allergies causing you discomfort? See an Allergist in Melbourne, FL. Dr. Beerelli is passionate about treating each of her patients with empathy, attentiveness and respect.
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