Although allergies can seem like a normal part of your daily life, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t ignore nasal allergy symptoms when they occur. Nasal allergy symptoms can include nasal congestion, a runny nose, irritation, and itchiness — and if left untreated, nasal allergies can lead to other sinus problems that can cause more severe outcomes.
The sinus experts at Kaplan Sinus Relief are here to explain why you shouldn’t ignore nasal allergy symptoms, how to spot them, and how to find treatment that works for you.
Nasal allergy symptoms
Nasal allergies also referred to as allergic rhinitis occur when the inside of your nose becomes inflamed, irritated, and blocked after exposure to an allergen. The more common allergies are pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander.
Nasal allergy symptoms are similar to symptoms of the common cold:
A runny nose (typically clear nasal discharge)
Sneezing
Itchy throat
Watery eyes
Severe allergy congestion
A person can experience seasonal allergies, most commonly in the springtime, but others experience them year-round. If you are someone who experiences nasal allergy symptoms irregularly or continuously for more than three weeks at a time, you could be dealing with chronic rhinitis.
What happens if you ignore your allergies?
Because so many individuals live with allergies, they tend to push their symptoms aside and use over-the-counter allergy medications to keep their symptoms at bay. But what they don’t understand is that allergy symptoms can be more serious than you might realize.
Here is why you shouldn’t ignore nasal allergy symptoms: when your nasal passage is congested from allergies, your sinuses get blocked by inflamed tissues. When sinuses can’t drain, they trap mucus and air inside, which leads to pain, pressure, and possible infections. If you ignore your allergy symptoms, you could be allowing your symptoms to worsen.
What happens if allergic rhinitis is left untreated?
If allergic rhinitis goes untreated, it could lead to other health complications including:
Sinus infection: Can allergies cause a sinus infection? Although they typically aren’t the source, allergies can cause swelling in your sinus cavities which, as we mentioned, can trap viruses and bacteria. Meaning, you are more likely to get a sinus infection if you have untreated allergy symptoms.
Nasal polyps: These painless growths in your nose can block your sinus airways making it difficult to breathe, smell, or taste.
Middle ear infections: These infections are caused by inflammation, redness, swelling, and fluid build-up behind the eardrum and can be painful in some cases.
Difficulty sleeping: Not only does the blocked nasal passage make you miserable when you are awake, but it can also lead to chronic sinus problems and mouth breathing, which often disturbs your sleep — and if you’re not getting enough sleep, your immune system is lower, leaving you vulnerable to other viruses and illnesses.
Now, before we begin to discuss treatment options, we must be clear that if you’re searching for how to cure allergic rhinitis permanently, conditions involving allergens are unfortunately difficult to permanently get rid of. However, there are options that can help you find long-term relief from your symptoms.
Treatment for nasal allergies
At-home remedies and medical intervention both have a place in helping you deal with your allergies and will vary case-by-case. However, it is important to note that if you suffer from chronic rhinitis or have severe allergy congestion, it would be wise to seek medical help to prevent further complications.
Nose allergy treatment at home
When allergies are at their worst, most people begin with over-the-counter medications such as nasal sprays, antihistamines, and decongestants in order to help alleviate the symptoms. While these medications might ease the pressure for a little while, those with allergies are not addressing the major issue at hand.
Over-the-counter medicine can make you feel better for the time being but they are a temporary solution. The truth is, allergies can make a huge impact on your life and it is a better idea to get a proper medical evaluation by a sinus specialist.
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