Two out
of 10 Filipino adults are affected by nasal allergies, according to the
National Nutrition and Health Survey conducted in 2008. Also known as allergic
rhinitis, nasal allergies are a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These
symptoms occur when you breathe in something that you are allergic to (known as
allergens).
Symptoms
You’ll
usually feel one or more allergic rhinitis symptoms immediately after coming
into contact with an allergen. Some symptoms, such as recurrent headaches and
fatigue, may only develop after long-term exposure to allergens. Common
symptoms include:
·
sneezing
·
a runny
nose
·
a stuffy
nose
·
an itchy
nose
·
coughing
·
a sore or
scratchy throat
·
itchy
eyes
·
watery
eyes
·
dark
circles under the eyes
·
frequent
headaches
·
eczema-type
symptoms, such as having extremely dry, itchy skin that often blisters
·
hives
·
excessive
fatigue
Causes
When your
body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine, which is a
natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. This chemical causes
allergic rhinitis and its symptoms. Pollen is the most common allergen.
In
addition to pollen, other common allergens include:
·
grass
·
dust
·
animal
dander, which is old skin
·
cat
saliva
·
mold
In the
Philippines, more people develop allergic rhinitis during the dry season when
trees, flowers, grass and weeds produce more pollen.
Risk
factors
Allergies
can affect anyone, but you’re more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if your
family has a history of allergies.
Some
external factors can trigger or worsen allergic rhinitis, including:
·
cigarette
smoke
·
chemicals
·
cold
temperatures
·
humidity
·
wind
·
air
pollution
·
hairspray
·
perfumes
·
colognes
·
wood
smoke
·
fumes
Treatment
options
Common
treatments include:
Antihistamines work by stopping your body from making
histamine. Talk to your doctor before starting a new medication. Make sure that
a new allergy medication won’t interfere with other medications or medical
conditions.
Decongestants can be taken over a short period to relieve a
stuffy nose and sinus pressure. If you have high blood pressure or a
genitourinary disease, speak with your doctor before using a decongestant.
Eye drops
and nasal sprays can
help relieve itchiness and other allergy-related symptoms for a short time.
However, you should avoid long-term use of these products.
Home
remedies
·
If you
have seasonal or pollen allergies, you can try using an air conditioner instead
of opening your windows. If possible, add a filter designed for allergies.
·
Using a
dehumidifier or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can help you
control your allergies while indoors.
·
If you’re
allergic to dust mites, wash your sheets and blankets in hot water that’s above
54.4°C.
·
Adding a
HEPA filter to your vacuum and vacuuming weekly may also help.
·
Keep your
bedroom pet-free. Doing so can significantly reduce levels of allergens in your
bedroom.
·
Dusting
as often as possible will keep dander (as well as dust mites and other
allergens) to a minimum. Open windows to increase the ventilation in your home.
·
Brush
your cat or dog in your yard to prevent loose, allergen-carrying hair from
dispersing through your home.
