Prof. Dr. Ahmet Akçay explained that one of the important causes of persistent runny nose is allergies
Runny nose is a condition that everyone experiences from time to time, and there can be many factors that can cause a runny nose. Stating that allergies are one of the important causes of long-term persistent runny nose, Prof. Ahmet Akçay MD., Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, Istanbul Okan University Hospital shared information.
Is Runny Nose a Sign of Allergy?
There are many symptoms of allergies. One of the most common symptoms among these is a runny nose. The majority of nasal symptoms are usually related to allergies. Allergic rhinitis, known as hay fever, is a term used to describe allergic reactions in the nose. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include runny nose, congestion, sneezing, and itching in the nose, eyes, and roof of your mouth.
What Causes a Runny Nose from Allergy?
There are multiple triggers that can cause nasal allergy symptoms. Not all people who suffer from nasal symptoms have the same triggers. If you have a seasonal allergy, you may be allergic to a particular tree or grass pollen that only makes your symptoms appear at a particular time of year, or you may be allergic to a particular type of mold that appears when it’s rainy in the fall and the leaves are wet. More than two-thirds of people who suffer from seasonal allergies also have symptoms year-round. These can be caused by dust mites, cockroaches, pet dander from pets, and allergens such as mold. Knowing your triggers is important. Once you know your triggers, it will be easier for you to avoid them and seek treatment.
How to differentiate a runny nose caused by allergies and flu?
There is no fever in the runny nose caused by allergies. Symptoms such as consecutive sneezing, itching of the nose, itching in the throat are not observed. Fever is common in the flu. There may be a sore throat. Muscle pain may occur. In cases that cannot be separated according to the symptoms, an allergy test is performed to confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.
How is Allergy-Caused Runny Nose Treated?
If you have symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sneezing that doesn’t go away, you should first go to an allergist to find out if you have allergies. Your doctor will determine what is causing your allergies and your triggers with some tests. Both seasonal and year-round allergies can cause a runny nose, stuffy nose, and sneezing. For this reason, your doctor will perform the appropriate allergy test for you according to your symptoms and current situation. Once your trigger is determined, you can control your symptoms with allergy vaccination and allergen protection options.
Long-term treatment of your allergy can be achieved with the Allergy Vaccine
Allergy vaccine, that is, immunotherapy, is a treatment method that aims to desensitize the body to allergen substances. With this treatment against respiratory allergens, allergies such as house dust mites, pollen, mold and pets can be successfully treated. This treatment, which includes the gradual introduction of the allergen into the body, is a very successful treatment. It can also reduce the progression of your allergies and the risk of developing allergic asthma. Allergy vaccines can be given once a week at first, and then the frequency of injections is once a month. The success rate of this treatment, which lasts for several years, is quite high.
