Cold winter weather is looming, and chances are people will be gravitating indoors. If you frequently suffer from nasal allergies, late autumn and winter can be such a hard time to have allergies. Just when you think you have escaped pollen, grass and tree allergens, being indoors this winter also poses a threat to your nasal allergies. Nasal Allergies at a Glance For many individuals, nasal allergies are a common disorder that can start from childhood and stay until the adult years. Nasal allergy is also known as rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis, a type of rhinitis, is brought about by the IgE-mediated inflammation of the nasal lining. In short, there is nasal inflammation during a bout with allergic rhinitis. There are two kinds of allergic rhinitis : seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis affects a person only during a season when he or she is highly sensitive, like spring in particular. But many people suffer from perennial rhinitis all year round. There are also some who suffer from both. Causes of Nasal Allergies The most common allergens people are always allergic to are pollen, weed, grass trees, animal dander and dust. Allergy patients may be highly sensitive in the summer to pollen, grass and trees, but in the late fall, ragweed (bitterweed, bloodweed) can cause problems as well. And then comes winter, which may likely exacerbate congestion of the nasal and sinus passages. While mold spores and dust mites thrive in hot weather, the dry air during winter dries up the sinuses, making allergy patients also prone to sinus infection. On another note, allergies to food do not have any direct link to allergic rhinitis or very rarely, if there is. Symptoms of Nasal Allergies Nasal allergies act up when a person inhales something that he or she is allergic to. As a consequence, uncomfortable symptoms such as stuffy nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, watery eyes, sinus pressure, and runny nose occur. These symptoms may impact everyday activities, work and sleep. Perennial rhinitis is characterized by moderate to severe nasal congestion. First Line of Treatment Typically, the most common sense method of treatment against nasal allergies is avoidance of allergens. This may be very hard for some who are always exposed to the elements. Most of the time, oral antihistamines are given with caution so as not to cause sedation, which is potentially dangerous, although newer antihistamines have lessened sedative properties. Corticosteroids are recommended for severe nasal allergies but may also cause nasal irritation, nosebleeds, and may impede the growth of a child. Decongestants and allergy shots are also forms of treatment for nasal allergies. Cleanse and Control To control nasal allergies, it is best to cleanse the nasal passages through nasal irrigation. The nasal passages filter dirt and debris to prevent them from entering the sinuses. It is imperative to keep the nasal passages clean. Medicated Irrigation Therapy Allergic rhinitis patients are often prescribed to perform nasal irrigation to improve sinus health. The newest way to do this is via medicated irrigation therapy. This includes a custom-molded nasal irrigator bottle that handles saline and medicated solutions for cleansing. Medicated irrigation therapy washes the nasal lining and rids the nose of excessive upper respiratory secretions and airborne allergens. The best defense is to cleanse. Clean your way to an allergy-free season. It’s time to breathe right. For more information, visit http://www.sinusinfectionproblems.com/
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