• home
• find a physician
• patients & visitors
• news & health tips
• after hours care
• map & directions

May Health Tip from Dr. Burns

It’s that time of year when our patients frequently complain of a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. Allergies or allergic disorders are common in the United States, affecting up to 20% of the population. The symptoms listed above are characteristic of allergic rhinitis (or hay fever), in which the lining of the nose becomes inflamed and swollen. Multiple airborne ‘triggers’ can start an allergic reaction: Seasonal allergies are typically caused by pollens from trees, grasses and weeds, where as chronic or perennial allergies are usually caused by dust mites, molds, or animal dander.

The allergic reaction occurs because of the body’s immune system: It recognizes an ‘invader’ or allergen i.e. pollen, and responds with a production of inflammatory chemicals. This generally causes symptoms characteristic of an allergy problem, although it occasionally is necessary to order additional testing, which might include a skin or blood test.

Treatment is aimed at blocking this allergic response. An over-the-counter antihistamine pill is frequently used, along with a decongestant. A common side effect of the antihistamines has been sedation or drowsiness, although a new generation of drugs are now available that are less likely to cause this problem. Common prescription brand names include Allegra, Clarinex, and Zyrtec. Recently, loratadine i.e. Claritin, has also been granted over-the-counter status and is in this ‘non-drowsy’ class. Your physician has available other treatment options, including oral medications aimed at different parts of the immune pathway, as well as nasal sprays. Immunotherapy or ‘allergy shots’ are generally reserved for those that don’t respond to the usual treatment.

If you have symptoms that are consistent with an allergy problem, or questions in general, please don’t hesitate to call your physician at Fairview Clinic!

For more information:
MU Health Sciences Library