What are Allergies?
Allergies are when your immune system over responds to certain substances that are otherwise usually harmless – such as pollen, dust, animal dander etc. Your body then produces antibodies (IgE) to recognize these substances. When the antibodies attach to mast cells – a type of blood cell – it causes the mast cell to release a variety of chemicals into the bloodstream, including histamine.
Histamine causes your blood vessels to dilate (open) resulting in redness and swelling. When this occurs in the nose it’s called allergic rhinitis and leads to congestion and sneezing.
While everyone reacts differently to allergens, some of the more common allergy symptoms include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Nasal itchy
- Clear Nasal discharge
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Feeling tired or ill
Chronic inflammation due to allergies can lead to obstruction of the sinus openings resulting in recurrences of sinusitis. Identifying your allergy triggers through allergy testing is a very important step in both the correct treatment and avoidance of allergies.
Avoidance and Sinusitis Prevention
When headaches and sinus congestion are triggered by allergies there are some steps you can take to help minimize your exposure. Again, knowing which allergens trigger your symptoms can help you take further measures on reducing your exposure to them.
- Removing dust particles from the air. Special air filters in your air conditioning or furnace can remove allergens from the air, especially if you suffer from dust and pollen allergens.
- Removing dust particles from the air. Special air filters in your air conditioning or furnace can remove allergens from the air, especially if you suffer from dust and pollen allergens.
- Likewise, you can minimize the allergens you introduce into your home by removing your shoes and leaving them by the door. Changing your clothes and showering once you come home will also help.
- During high pollen seasons keep your windows and doors closed.
- Use of saline rinses can help clean your nose of allergens
- Diet can have a large impact on your nasal allergies. People who have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and nuts generally suffer from fewer allergy symptoms.
- Enclose pillow cases, mattresses and box springs in dust-proof covers. Make sure you wash your linings regularly (minimally once every 2 weeks).
- Dust your bedroom furniture and headboard daily with a damp cloth. You can wear a must mask while doing so.
- Maintain humidity at 40-50% to inhibit the growth of mold
- Where possible – replace carpeting and upholstered furniture for wood or plastic.
- Clean naturally – Instead of using harsh chemicals, try vinegar and baking soda.
- Avoid smoke and other fumes – One of the biggest triggers of nasal irritation and inflammation is cigarette smoke. Try to avoid your exposure as much as possible.
A combination of testing to identify your allergy triggers, managing your exposure and possible immunotherapy desensitization can have a tremendous positive impact on your quality of life. Our allergy specialists are here to help evaluate and treat your allergy symptoms.