Spring signals the onset of allergies for millions of people in the United
States, and while such conditions are not usually dangerous, they do impact
quality of life. Otolaryngologist
Jack Hsu, MD, of Valley Health Ear, Nose and Throat, offers helpful tips for seasonal
allergy sufferers.
Identify your triggers
“If you know what you are allergic to, you can predict when you may
have symptoms and take steps to avoid them,” Dr. Hsu says. Such
actions include using an air purifier, flushing your nasal passages with
saline before allergens have time to affect your system, using over-the-counter
antihistamines, and wearing a mask or staying inside on bad days. “If
there are other sources of irritation such as cigarette smoke or an environment
where there is dust and debris, those will complicate allergic symptoms,” he adds.
Talk to your physician if you think you might have a sinus infection
“When sinuses get blocked or irritated, we call that sinusitis. It
can be from a bacterial or viral infection, or chronic inflammation,”
says Dr. Hsu. The symptoms of allergies and sinusitis can overlap, so
seek professional treatment to ensure the best course of action. “An
expert opinion may be required to diagnose the problem. It’s hard
to look up into your own sinuses.”
Determine the right treatment for you
“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for allergies,”
says Dr. Hsu. Over-the-counter antihistamines have their individual upsides
and downsides. Dr. Hsu recommends taking medication at the onset of symptoms
for more effective relief. Topical nasal steroids can be an option for
people with nasal congestion, while those who suffer from severe allergies
might want to consider immunotherapy. Says Dr. Hsu: “If you can
identify what you are allergic to and get dosed with that material in
small batches, your immune system gets used to it.”
This article first appeared in Spring/Summer 2017 edition of HealthLINK Magazine.