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 Nasal
allergic symptoms may be experienced by up to one third of southeastern residents
of the United States. The symptoms generally include sneezing, itching and/or
watering eyes and nose, clear nasal discharge and nasal stuffiness. They may be
associated with specific exposures, i.e. dog, cat or seasons as in pollen allergies,
or may be year round (perennial). Allergies may also predispose an individual
to sinus infections.
If a cause of symptoms can be identified, avoidance of the triggering agent is
always the best treatment. If a cause cannot be found, or avoidance is impossible
or impractical, medications may be prescribed. Antihistamines
are the most frequently prescribed medication. Nasal steroid and antihistamine
nose sprays in conjunction with nasal saline spray and/or nasal saline irrigations
are also frequently recommended. Other agents such as decongestants, mucus thinning
agents called mucolytics may help nasal stuffiness and thick nasal secretions
associated with nasal allergies. Leukotriene inhibitors are a class of anti-inflammatory
agents which may also help selected individuals.
Some individuals either have their symptoms poorly controlled by medication or
require so many medications that they require desensitization (allergy shots)
when avoidance of the offending agent is impossible or impractical. This always
entails testing. Most often, skin testing is used to determine what the patient
is allergic to. Allergy shots are the most specific treatment available, and they
are highly successful in allergic patients. Skin tests or at times blood tests
are used to make up treatment vials of substances to which the patient is allergic.
The physician determines the best concentration for initiating the treatment.
These treatments are given by injection. They work by forming blocking antibodies
in the patient's blood stream, which then interfere with the allergic reaction.
Many patients prefer allergy shots over drugs because of the side effects of the
drugs. In some instances, testing can be performed on a blood sample. This is
called RAST
testing and may be suitable for persons who cannot undergo skin testing, such
as children. |
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