Our expert physicians specialize in the treatment of allergy, food allergy, asthma, and sinus problems, as well as other conditions, such as hay fever, hives, eczema, contact dermatitis, insect allergies, drug reactions, anaphylaxis, and immune deficiency conditions.
Allergy affecting the mucous membrane of the nose is called allergic rhinitis. Most people develop allergic rhinitis by the age of 40, although its onset can begin at an age. Allergic rhinitis can occur year-round or seasonally, which is often referred to as hay fever. Environmental factors like pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander contribute to a variety of symptoms someone with allergic rhinitis may experience. Symptoms caused by tree and grass pollen typically occur in the spring, whereas an allergy to weed pollen generally causes symptoms in the summer and fall. However, pollinating seasons in Florida are exceptionally long, so symptoms may linger.
Common Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis:
- stuffy nose
- post-nasal drip
- sneezing
- red and/or itchy eyes
- watery eyes
- swollen eyelids
- itchy mouth, throat, ears, and face
- sore throat
- dry cough
- feelings of fullness and buzzing in the ears
- partial loss of the senses: hearing, smell, and taste
- headaches
- fatigue
Children with allergic rhinitis may develop unfavorable habits, like breathing through their mouth or pushing their nose upward with their hand to relieve itches, which after several years can cause a crease to appear across the nose. Allergic rhinitis can also cause dark undereye circles to appear, resulting from blood pooling upstream from the congested nasal area.
Patients often confuse allergic rhinitis for sinus problems, and while they may experience nasal swelling along with their symptoms, this condition is different than sinusitis. In order to provide an accurate diagnosis, your physician will perform a thorough medical evaluation and any necessary testing, which may include skin or blood tests.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis is available and typically consists of avoidance of allergens, medication, and in some cases, immunotherapy, or allergy shots. Immunotherapy can also be done sublingually (under the tongue or SLIT) for those with allergies to only a few allergens, but, in general, shots are more effective.
If you feel you or a family member is suffering from an allergy, call 941-927-4888 to schedule an appointment today.
