You might never have heard the term allergic rhinitis before, but if you have lived in Oklahoma for very long I’m pretty sure you, or one of your family members, has probably had it. It is an inflammation of the membranes of the nose caused by allergies.
Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, headache, earache, swelling of the eyes, fatigue, drowsiness, red eyes, postnasal drip, itchy nose, itchy ears, and itchy palate, and the loss of the sense of smell. Although allergic rhinitis or allergies is not life threatening, it can, as many of us know, make life very difficult.
Once you know how to tell it apart from other medical issues and then how to treat it, you know pretty well all you need to know.
Once you start having fever, you don’t have simple allergies anymore. It is most likely viral but some cases may be a bacterial infection.
If pressure in the sinuses, fever, dizziness, nausea, or headaches are the issue it is likely a sinus infection. If the symptoms persist and fever persists for more than 72 hours, seeing a doctor for evaluation is a good idea.
If at any time the headache becomes severe, you need to be evaluated. If one or both of the ears starts draining or becomes increasingly painful, it could be an ear infection and may need antibiotics, again, go to the doctor and get checked.
If your throat becomes really sore when swallowing and you have headache and fever, it could be strep and you should see a doctor.
Back to allergies. Allergies can often be controlled by avoiding triggers, like wearing a mask when mowing the lawn if allergic to grass or staying away from cats if allergic to them.
People with significant issues will often be sent for allergy testing to find out what their triggers are so they can work on avoidance.
When avoidance does not work, inhaled steroids like Flonase or Nasonex are recommended first, followed by antihistamines, or allergy pills, like Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, or Xyzal.
Anyone who is currently taking Singular or Montelukast should be aware that a new black box warning came out March 4, 2020 that it may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and should only be used when all other options fail and when the benefits outweigh the risks.
If you or your child are on this medication and have asthma, contact your physician before stopping it as it might lead to a flare up of the asthma and there are ways to avoid this.
So, expect allergies if you live in Oklahoma; runny nose, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, but no fever. Try to avoid the triggers and if you don’t know what they are see about getting them tested.
Use an over the counter or prescription inhaled nasal steroid like Nasonex or Flonase and if that fails, an antihistamine. If that fails, go to see your doctor to discuss other options. Good luck and God bless!