Allergic Rhinitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Allergic rhinitis (reye-NEYE-tis) is also called hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the inside of the nose. Some people have allergic rhinitis only at certain times of the year, such as spring or fall. This type is called seasonal allergic rhinitis. Others may have it any time during the year, which is called nonseasonal (or perennial) allergic rhinitis.
  
  
• Allergic rhinitis is caused by substances in the environment called allergens that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Allergens are substances such as weeds, grass, trees, dust, mold and animal dander. Allergic rhinitis may cause frequent sneezing, and an itchy, runny, or stuffy nose. Your eyes may also be itchy, red, swollen, burning, or watery. Treatment may make you feel better but will not cure allergic rhinitis.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• If a medicine makes you drowsy: Some medicines may make you drowsy (tired) or less able to think clearly. Avoid driving, signing legal papers, operating heavy equipment or other activities that you must be alert to do. Never drink alcohol while you are taking medicines that make you feel drowsy or less alert.
  
  
• Antihistamines: This medicine works quickly to treat most symptoms. Some antihistamines can make you sleepy. If this is a problem, ask your caregiver about antihistamines that do not make you sleepy.
  
  
• Decongestants: Ask your caregiver if it is OK to use over the counter decongestant medicine for a few days. Do not use decongestant nose sprays for more than a few days because your symptoms may get worse.
  
  
• Nasal corticosteroids: This medicine may decrease swelling in the nose.
  
  
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots): This medicine may be given if your symptoms do not get better with other medicine. Allergy shots may help your immune system to become resistant (not react) to allergens over time. They may also help to decrease the need for allergic rhinitis medicines in the future.
  
  
• Eye drops: Eye drops may decrease problems with itchy, watery eyes.
  
  
• Antibiotics: this medicine is usually not taken to treat allergic rhinitis. If you are taking antibiotics for a sinus infection, however, take them all as ordered, even if you start to feel better.
  
  
• Cromolyn sodium: This medicine may be used as nose spray, or eye drops. It works to decrease or take away symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
  
  
• Leukotriene inhibitors: Your caregiver may have you use this type of medicine to decrease or take away symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

What can I do to decrease my symptoms?

Avoid things that make your symptoms worse. Some things you can do to avoid possible allergens are:

• Have someone else do the yard work and mow the lawn.
  
  
• Change your clothes after you have been outside.
  
  
• Do not let indoor pets sleep in the bedroom or sit on furniture.
  
  
• Dry your clothes in a dryer and not on a clothesline outside.
  
  
• Keep windows and doors closed and use the air conditioner if needed.
  
  
• Keep your house as clean as possible. Get an air cleaning filter for your house and have all the vents and ducts cleaned. Wearing a facemask while you do the cleaning may be helpful.
  
  
• Wash bed sheets every week in hot water (hotter than 103 degrees F).
  
  
• Clean carpets, cloth upholstery, drapes and stuffed toys every week because they collect dust and pollen.
  
  
• If you smoke, you should quit. It harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. Smoking may also cause rhinitis to get worse. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. It is never too late to quit. Not only will you help yourself but also those around you. If you have trouble quitting, talk to your caregiver about ways to quit. Ask others who live in the same house as you to quit smoking.

How can I take care of myself at home?

• Blow your nose as often as needed. Be careful not to blow too hard or you may get a nosebleed. Do not plug one side of your nose while blowing because you may hurt your ears.
  
  
• Do not rub your eyes because this will make them feel worse. Wearing contact lenses may also bother your eyes.
  
  
• Your caregiver may also suggest ways to rinse out your nose to decrease your symptoms.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• Your symptoms get worse or keep you from doing your normal activities.
  
  
• You have pain or pressure in your sinuses.
  
  
• You have problems breathing.
  
  
• You have any problems with the medicine you are taking.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have a headache, muscle aches, or face or ear pain.
  
  
• Thick, greenish-yellow drainage is coming from your nose.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have a stiff neck or trouble thinking clearly.
  
  
• You have great difficulty trying to breath.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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