![]() Indoor allergies often last year-round, though they can come and go. When: Outdoor allergies usually start in February or March and end in October.Symptoms: Congestion, itchy and watery eyes, clear nasal discharge, sneezing, and scratchy or ticklish throat.Then see below to determine whether you're likely to have an allergy or nonallergic rhinitis. To see whether you have an allergy or something else, start by keeping track of your seasonal allergy symptoms, when you experience them, and what seems to trigger them. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is so concerned about the potential overuse of those tests that it recently included them in the Choosing Wisely campaign, which highlights unnecessary and sometimes harmful medical care. But such tests are often misleading and can cause you to make unnecessary lifestyle changes. The free tests offered in pharmacies or home tests that you can buy often check for common allergens, including cat dander, cedar, dust mites, egg, and grass. A little redness shows that you have an allergy no reaction suggests nonallergic rhinitis.īe wary of any allergy test that's not prompted by worrisome symptoms, a doctor's exam, and your medical history. If necessary, an allergy skin test, which involves pricking the skin with a tiny amount of the suspected allergens, can confirm a diagnosis. But if you're uncertain or the measures don't help, talk with a doctor.Īn office visit with your doctor and a few questions about your symptoms, environmental and occupational exposure, hobbies, overall health, and other factors should help narrow it down. If you suspect that your symptoms are caused by an allergy, you can often get confirmation-and relief-by taking the simple steps described below. Cold, dry air and food (especially spicy items) can set off similar symptoms.ĭespite the prevalence of nonallergic rhinitis, a study of nearly 300 people published last month found that 37 percent of those who visited their local pharmacy and purchased over-the-counter allergy medication didn't have a diagnosis of allergies from their doctor, and most had not consulted with the pharmacist, either.Įffective treatment for allergies and nonallergic rhinitis starts with identifying the cause. " Nonallergic rhinitis is quite common in older adults, but it's often mistaken for allergies or a cold because the symptoms are very similar," says Janna Tuck, M.D., spokeswoman for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.įor example, you may suddenly become congested, have a runny nose, or sneeze when you sit near a smoker or walk down the detergent aisle. It usually shows up in adulthood, and it may be responsible for between 17 and 52 percent of seasonal-allergy-like symptoms. Nonallergic rhinitis affects about a third as many people as seasonal allergies, or roughly 7 percent of the population.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |