What is allergic rhinitis?

Inflammation of the nose's interior is known as allergic rhinitis and is brought on by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, or mold. Sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and other similar symptoms are signs of this allergic reaction. Seasonal or year-round allergic rhinitis can occur. Sneezing, runny nose, and red, watery, and itchy eyes are symptoms. 

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Symptoms:

• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes, mouth, or skin
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose
• Fatigue 

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A strong immune system can improve health in many ways as well as allergic rhinitis. A person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen, mold, animal dander, or dust, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms. Meaning that the root of the allergen is mainly developed from the amount of pollen in the air.

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Ways to strengthen your immune system:

Immunotherapy: Patients who receive this form of treatment are given injections of the allergens they are allergic to. This gradually desensitizes the immune system.

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Meditation - Studies have shown that chronic stress can exacerbate allergies already present, possibly by upsetting the equilibrium of chemical substances in your body that regulates immune response.

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Pro-Healthy Living - Seasonal allergies cannot be cured or entirely prevented by working out regularly and eating a healthy diet. The negative effects of allergy symptoms as well as a variety of other conditions can be reduced by leading a healthy lifestyle.

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Controlling Your Environment - Although it won't always help your body fight off seasonal allergies, minimizing allergens in your surroundings is a good, drug-free way to stave off allergy symptoms.

Balloon Sinusplaty - a minimally invasive procedure used to open and widen sinus passages in patients with chronic and recurrent sinus infections. The signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis, such as facial pain, pressure, headaches, and allergies, are improved by widening the sinus passages. 

Additional immune boosting tactics:

• Exercise, per your doctor’s advice
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats
• Avoid tobacco
• Control blood pressure
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Get seven to eight hours of sleep every night
• Wash hands throughout the day

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Ways to avoid allergens

• Avoid carpeting and instead, use area rugs
• Reduce the amount of clutter in your home, and clean it up once a week at the very least to eliminate dust
• Keep the windows closed to avoid dust 
• Regularly replace the air conditioner's filters
• Close the doors to your bedroom if you have a pet
• Use mattress and pillow covers that are allergen-proof, and wash your linens once a week
• Invest in a dehumidifier
• Don't have too many indoor plants
• Decontaminate surfaces of mold

While having a strong immune system may help relieve some side effects of allergic rhinitis it will not entirely prevent it. However, surgery may be an option to improve breathing if medication alone cannot offer relief. Balloon sinuplasty is a specialty of the American Sinus Institute, which serves patients in San Antonio and throughout Texas. Contact our board-certified physicians in Otolaryngology to find out how balloon sinuplasty can help relieve your sinus problems.