Over 400 million people worldwide have allergic rhinitis, which is the 5th most common chronic disease. To manage symptoms, one should reduce exposure to allergens as much as possible by avoiding triggers like pollen, smoke, and chemicals. Cleaning nasal passages with saline irrigation or steam can help prevent allergens from causing congestion. For severe cases, allergy immunotherapy involving allergen injections can decrease sensitivity over time and provide long-term relief, though it may not be suitable for all patients.

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Apracticalguidetomanagingallergic rhinitis
Lisa M. Cannon M.D November 16, 2020 Uncategorized allergic rhinitis, allergy
Over 400 million people have allergic rhinitis, according to the World Allergy Organization. This
ranks the condition the 5th most common chronic disease in the world. New Jersey-based
physician Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., shares some tips for managing the condition.
Reduce allergen exposure
Because allergic rhinitis cannot be
prevented, an individual must stay away
from allergens as much as possible.
Whether allergy triggers are perennial or
seasonal, one should reduce exposure,
especially when experiencing extreme
weather conditions. When going out, one
should take an antihistamine or at least
cover the face with a mask. According to
Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., avoiding common
allergens like air pollution, extremely
cold temperatures, humidity, smoke,
fumes, aerosol sprays, and strong
fragrances will prevent the symptoms.
Clean nasal passages
People who suffer from allergic rhinitis usually suffer from bouts of sneezing, runny nose, stuffy
nose, and trouble smelling. These reactions might cause headaches and discomfort in the cheeks,
nose, eyes, and ears. Experts suggest nasal irrigation using saline in syringes or neti pots to
prevent triggers from staying in the nasal passages. One can also use steam therapy to avoid
congestion in the nasal passages.
Allergy immunotherapy
Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., says that patients
with severe symptoms can undergo
allergy shots to decrease the body’s
sensitivity to certain allergy triggers. A
person is injected with safe amounts of an
allergen to build their tolerance to it. As a
long-term treatment, it aims to provide
relief to individuals even after the
treatment is over. However, this
treatment might not be suitable for all
patients. One should check with their
doctor if they are qualified to undergo the
treatment.

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Lisa M. Cannon, M.D., is a board-
certified physician specializing in
pulmonary disease, critical care, and
sleep medicine. She obtained her medical
degree from New York Medical College
and received her board certifications in
critical care in 1998, in internal medicine
in 2006, and pulmonary disease in 2007.
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