Environmental allergies are very common in the population.
Systemic symptoms can include dry or watery eyes, itchy or red skin, sneezing, wheezing, and asthma. Nasal allergies (“allergic rhinitis”) involves nasal swelling, congestion, mucus, post-nasal drip, sinusitis, and cough.
Treatments include saline sinus rinses, nasal steroids, nasal allergy medications, oral anti-histamines, or oral steroids. Newer treatments include aerosolized nasal sprays and immuno-modulator injections that can be done in the office or at home. Allergy testing and treatments are also indicated. Surgical treatments such as repairing a deviated septum and reducing swollen turbinates can significantly reduce symptoms such as nasal blockage, mucus production and sinus infections.