Many individuals suffer from allergies, including children and adults alike. However, sometimes, allergies can get in the way of your everyday activities with uncomfortable and annoying symptoms. If you are living with allergies and wish to get your symptoms under control, our physicians at AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies can help.

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, allergies, or hay fever, is common in many patients. Allergies occur when your body’s immune system attacks the particles in the air that you breathe in. Common agitators include pet dander, pollen, dust mites, and mold. In turn, this causes common allergy symptoms to occur, including nasal symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Common allergic rhinitis symptoms include:

  • Repetitive sneezing
  • Nasal congestion
  • A runny and itchy nose and postnasal drip
  • Watery and itchy eyes
  • Itchiness in your ears, nose, and throat
  • Headaches and sinus pressure
  • Tiredness
  • Wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing
  • Sore throat from postnasal drip

To diagnose allergic rhinitis, one of our ENT physicians will examine you and talk to you about your symptoms. In some cases, allergy testing can be done to help determine what you are allergic to.

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment

There is presently no cure for allergies, though there are some things that can be done to help lessen your symptoms. Doing your best to avoid the cause of your symptoms is one of the best things you can do. Cleaning your house regularly to eliminate dust, mold, and animal dander, as well as avoiding the outdoors when pollen counts are high, can all help.

To treat allergic rhinitis, over-the-counter allergy medications such as oral antihistamines and nasal sprays can often help to control symptoms. In cases where allergies are more severe, immunotherapy is an option to help reduce symptoms. This consists of allergy shots that will help your body to become familiar with the allergy over time, lessening your body’s reaction to allergens.

Contact Us Today

If you are experiencing hay fever symptoms and are seeking relief for an improved quality of life, our team of skilled ENT specialists can help. Contact AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies today to learn more about your treatment options for allergic rhinitis. Our physicians are dedicated to providing exceptional care to Denver, Lone Tree, and Castle Rock, CO patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis often presents with nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sneezing, and itchy eyes. The presence of darkened skin under the eyes (allergic shiners) and the presence of an allergic nasal crease are less common signs.

How long can allergic rhinitis last?

Allergic rhinitis is caused by plant pollens, molds, dust, etc., and it causes congestion and sneezing. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, occurs in the late summer or spring. Depending on the type of allergic rhinosinusitis a patient is diagnosed with, the condition may last from months to years.

What is the main cause of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is caused by inflammation or a reaction of the sensitive nasal mucosa to irritants in the environment. Tree, grass, or weed pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mite are the most common irritants.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINUSITIS AND RHINITIS?

While sinusitis is often accompanied by asthma, rhinitis can be a symptom of hay fever or other allergies. Chronic sinusitis is the long-term inflammation of the nasal passages and airways. In contrast, chronic rhinitis is a long-term nasal blockage/discharge that doesn't resolve on its own (this can sometimes be associated with nasal polyps).

Can you have sinusitis and allergic rhinitis at the same time?

Yes, an individual may have sinusitis and allergic rhinitis at the same time. In fact, many patients with sinusitis also have rhinitis.

What is the difference between allergic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis?

Allergic rhinitis is caused by factors such as molds, dust, plant pollens, and environmental factors, and symptoms may get better if the individual is no longer exposed to those factors. Chronic rhinosinusitis is a long-term inflammatory disease that can last for long periods of time.

What are the triggers of allergic rhinosinusitis?

Allergic rhinitis can be triggered by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or mold, and outdoor allergens such as tree, grass, and weed pollens.

Does Benadryl help with rhinitis?

Antihistamines such as Benadryl may help to relieve the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.

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Allison Rasband, M.D.
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Dr. Allison Rasband received her medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska and is board-certified with the American Board of Otolaryngology. She performed her residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center. She specializes in the treatment of adult and pediatric ear, nose, and throat problems, with a special interest in pediatrics and the surgical treatment of nasal and sinus problems. She loves spending time with her husband, four kids, and yellow lab and enjoys skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.

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