Developing allergies later in life is becoming more and more common. People experiencing these symptoms for the first time often feel that they are coming down with some kind of viral illness, but that is not always the case. We see this most during peak allergy seasons. During this time of year you will hear common complaints such as:
“My head feels full or heavy” often related to sinus congestion.
“My throat hurts” often sore throat caused by post nasal drip from sinus congestion.
“I feel achy or run-down” often resulting from excess sinus fluid production or resulting infection.
“I feel dizzy or off balance” often resulting from sinus fluid back up into the ears (effects balance).
“My stomach feels upset” often from post nasal drip that causes mucous to accumulate in stomach.
“My eyes are itchy and watery” often from allergen exposure that releases histamines.
Whatever the source of the irritation or allergic reaction, the results are the same. This irritation causes excess mucous production. The accumulation of mucous in the sinus cavities leads to painful congestion. It can cause your head to ache, pain or pressure behind the eyes, and a feeling of head fullness which can cause a general fatigue. This can also bring with it stomach upset, throat irritation and dizziness.
Usually the cause of these symptoms is due to allergens; however it can often mimic viruses, like those that cause the common cold and flu. Allergens cause the lining of the nose, throat and the airways to become inflamed and swell. This causes the release of histamine, which triggers the allergy symptoms.
You may be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or hay fever. This is a fancy way of saying, “allergic inflammation of the nose,” but it can lead to sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinus cavities or a more serious problem if that mucous stays stagnant too long. Over time the mucous can begin to grow bacteria causing a sinus infection.
If you have a viral infection you often experience head and body aches, fatigue, and sometimes fever. With allergic rhinitis you will experience more of the itchy eyes, nose and throat, as well as watery eyes due to the release of histamines. When you experience allergy symptoms, facial pain and a fever, it could be the signal of a sinus infection, especially if it ongoing.
With a sinus infection you often feel pressure around the eyes and sometimes even into the ears. Usually you will have a colored drainage when you cough or spit. This condition can be very uncomfortable and you would need to see your physician to be prescribed an antibiotic to halt the bacterial infection.
Viral causes and basic allergic reactions will not be aided by antibiotics. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage the symptoms and comfort measures are your main treatments. It is important to use OTC products wisely. They will help alleviate the symptoms of cold, flu, or allergic inflammation.
When choosing which medication to take you must determine the condition causing the symptoms.
Then look for the predominant symptoms you want to relieve. Check the active ingredients in the product to determine what they will do for you. Consider the following:
• Pain relievers for aches, pain and fever
• Antihistamines to stop the allergic histamine reaction (for allergic rhinitis)
• Nasal sprays (saline for moistening, decongestant to reduce swelling)
• Decongestants to break up excess mucous (Use caution-these can leave you feeling jittery)
• Expectorants to loosen and cough up mucous
• Cough suppressants to stop a nagging cough
• Throat lozenges or sprays for throat irritations
• Moisturizing eye drops for itchy eyes (take a break from contact usage during this time)
Some OTC products contain a single active ingredient, made to relieve one symptom. Many others contain a combination of active ingredients to treat several symptoms at once. Selecting the right product can be difficult at times. They categorize products according to the predominant symptoms they relieve, so pay attention to the active ingredients and choose only what you need.
See your doctor for any symptoms not resolved by the medications or comfort measures. As with most things, prevention is more effective than intervention. Staying healthy and keeping your immune system strong is your best defense against these symptoms. Practice:
• Balancing nutrition and hydration
• Good hand washing.
• Exercising daily.
• Keeping sinuses moist, using steam or sinus wash treatments.
• Properly covering coughs and sneezes along with proper tissue disposal.
• Getting adequate sleep (usually 8 hours daily).
• Taking adequate recovery time for flare ups.
• Using prophylactic medications consistently (for allergies)
• Monitoring pollen counts and other common allergen counts. Stay in when they are high.
PLEASE NOTE: Conditions that persist, recurrent or are not aided by OTC medications should be checked by your physician to rule out infection or another more serious condition. For example, a sore throat lasting longer than three days or with a fever would be a signal to see your doctor. When in doubt, check it out!
Read the original: Help For Allergy Symptoms – Causes, Triggers and Comfort Measures to Survive Allergy Season
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