Nasal Allergy (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)

Nasal Allergy or Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, is likely the culprit when runny nose, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose and throat occur during the spring, early summer or early autumn months. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the nose occurring among individuals who become allergic to tree, grass or ragweed pollen allergens. Allergens are natural substances that trigger respiratory allergies. Typically, tree pollens released into the air cause nasal allergy between March and May. Grass pollen trigger allergy symptoms from the middle of May through June and ragweed pollen causes problems for allergy sufferers from mid-August until early October. Patients with year round nasal allergy symptoms are diagnosed with "Perennial Allergic Rhinitis". This condition is caused by indoor allergens found in common house dust, such as house dust mites, cockroach or pet dander from cats or dogs.

Nasal allergy symptoms can affect sleeping and performance at work or school, as well as interfere with recreational activities. The good news is that most nasal allergy sufferers can be treated successfully.

How do I know if I have nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis?

A qualified allergist can diagnose nasal allergy or "allergic rhinitis" based on a careful medical history and physical exam. Allergy skin tests are usually required to confirm that someone is "sensitized" and that chronic nasal and eye symptoms are caused by allergies. There are other nasal conditions caused by non allergic factors, and these are treated quite differently than nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis.

Skin testing is done by placing drops of allergen solutions made from pollens, mold spores, house dust mites or animal dander (cat, dog) on the forearm skin and gently pricking the skin with a sterile plastic device. The skin test causes minimal discomfort and indicates the presence of allergy to the allergen if the skin at the test site becomes red, raised, and itchy after 15 to 20 minutes.

What Are the Treatments for Nasal Allergy?

Avoidance of allergens, if possible, can often be the best treatment, but not always possible. Oral or nasal medications are often needed to control nasal and eye symptoms.

Mild and episodic symptoms can usually be controlled with over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine. Antihistamines that do not cause drowsiness or interfere with driving and daily activity are preferred and are taken once a day or as needed during the allergy season.

Nasal steroids or cortisone sprays are considered the most effective therapy for persistent allergic rhinitis. There are many brands of these agents available through prescription. Nasal bleeding is a side effect of nasal steroids in about 10% of treated patients and these drugs should be discontinued if this occurs.

Antihistamine nasal sprays such as olopatidine (Patanase®) and azelastine (Astelin®, Astepro®) are also available and can be used to relieve nasal allergy symptoms. These drugs require a prescription and can be used by patients age 12 and older.

Back