If you suffer from nasal allergies, you probably experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms that can significantly impact your daily life. Millions of people have nasal allergies—known as allergic rhinitis—a condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless environmental substances. This triggers inflammation in the nasal passages, leading to bouts of sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms.
What causes nasal allergies?
Allergens are generally harmless for most people. If you have hay fever, however, your immune system perceives allergens as threats. To protect your body, it releases natural chemicals into your bloodstream, with histamine being the primary one. Histamine causes inflammation and itching in the mucous membranes of your nose, eyes, and throat as your body attempts to expel the allergen.
Several factors can trigger nasal allergies, each affecting the ears, nose, and throat (ENT) system in unique ways:
Airborne allergens: The most common culprits of nasal allergies are airborne particles. These include:
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
- Dust mites
- Animal dander
- Mold spores
When these particles enter the nasal passages of sensitive individuals, they trigger an immune response, resulting in typical allergy symptoms. Repeated exposure to these allergens can lead to chronic nasal allergy symptoms.
Airborne irritants: Exposure to irritants in your home or workplace can cause symptoms similar to allergies, called nonallergic rhinitis. These include:
- Chemical fumes
- Wood dust
- Smog
- Cigarette smoke
Any small particles floating through the air can also cause nonallergic rhinitis.
Food allergies: While less common, certain foods can trigger nasal allergy symptoms for some people. This typically occurs in conjunction with other allergic reactions and may be part of a broader food allergy syndrome.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
Diagnosing Nasal Allergies
Accurately diagnosing nasal allergies is important for effective treatment. The first diagnostic step involves thoroughly reviewing the patient’s medical history and symptoms. ENT specialists will then perform skin prick tests or blood tests to identify the specific allergen or allergens responsible for your allergies. In some cases, the specialist examines the nasal passages and sinuses with an endoscope to help rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms.
Treating Nasal Allergies
Combining medications with lifestyle changes that help you avoid exposure to allergens can help you successfully manage nasal allergies.
Medications: Several types of medications can help manage nasal allergy symptoms, including:
- Antihistamines
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Leukotriene modifiers
Allergen avoidance: Minimizing exposure to known allergens is a key to managing your allergies. Steps you can take include:
- Using air purifiers
- Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons
- Regularly cleaning and vacuuming to reduce dust and pet dander
- Using hypoallergenic bedding
Immunotherapy: For severe or persistent allergies, a specialist may recommend immunotherapy. This treatment involves gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of an allergen to build tolerance. It can be administered as:
- Subcutaneous immunotherapy (or SCIT), also known as allergy shots
- Sublingual immunotherapy (or SLIT) also known as allergy drops (placed under the tongue)
Nasal Irrigation: Using a neti pot or other nasal irrigation device to flush the nasal passages with saline solution can help remove allergens and thin mucus, providing symptom relief.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Nasal allergies, while common, can significantly impact quality of life. However, with proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, most people can find relief from their symptoms. If you’re struggling with persistent nasal allergy symptoms, consult an ENT specialist to explore the best management options for your specific situation.