Advanced Allergy & Asthma
Dr. Kumar Patel, MD
Providing Advanced and Personalized Allergy Treatment in over 7 locations in PA, OH and WV!
Allergic Rhinitis
At Advanced Allergy and Asthma, we take pride in our personalized treatments of allergic rhinitis. Call our office at (724) 224-5440 to get the best quality allergic care in the area.
Allergic Rhinitis Specialist in Seven Fields, PA
Allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as hay fever, is a common chronic disease that seriously affects the way you live. In the United States, allergic rhinitis ranks as the fifth most common chronic disease. Research shows that allergic rhinitis results in 3.5 million lost workdays and 2 million missed school days each year. People with allergic rhinitis often do not seek medical advice, with only 12.4 percent of patients with allergic rhinitis consulting a physician. As a result, however, patients increase their exposure to the risks of several respiratory complications.
At Advanced Allergy and Asthma, we take pride in our personalized treatments of allergic rhinitis. Dr. Kumar Patel, MD is a distinguished expert in Internal Medicine, Allergy, and Asthma Care. He is assisted by a team of experienced, friendly and compassionate care professionals, who are happy to work with you to help you manage your allergic conditions quickly and effectively. If you or your loved ones are suffering from allergic rhinitis, it is high time that you get in touch with us. We have convenient locations in Tarentum (PA), Beaver (PA), Sewickley (PA), and Steubenville (OH). Call our office at (724) 224-5440 or schedule an appointment with us online to get the best quality allergic care in your area.
FAQs on Allergic Rhinitis:
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?
The causes of allergic rhinitis are complex and not completely clear. We do know that your genes, plus the environment you live in, ultimately trigger allergic rhinitis. Once triggered, our immune systems begin to overreact to certain allergens, creating symptoms that most strongly affect the nasal cavity.If your parents have allergic rhinitis, you are likely to have it too.
Note that not all people who are exposed to the same environmental factors suffer from allergic rhinitis.
What are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis symptoms are:
- Nasal obstruction
- Rhinorrhea, i.e. a runny nose
- Sneezing
- Itching
Allergic rhinitis also affects your sleep, emotions, and memory. You may constantly feel tired despite a regular sleep schedule, and may be prone to anxiety and depression.
What if Allergic Rhinitis is Left Untreated?
Untreated allergic rhinitis may lead to the development of other nasal or sinus diseases, such as:
- Recurrent nasal polyps
- Acute and chronic sinusitis
- Otitis media (i.e. ear infections), and hearing impairment
- Sleep apnea
- Asthma
Who’s at the Greatest Risk of Allergic Rhinitis?
Children aged 10 to 17-years-old are at the greatest risk of developing hay fever, though allergies of this nature can develop at any age. They are also common among the elderly, affecting about 5 to 8 percent of the whole population. Many doctors believe that the diagnosis of allergies in patients over 60 years old is impossible, so it is important that you seek the guidance of an expert allergist like Dr. Patel as early as possible once you see the symptoms.
What is the Difference Between Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis may be seasonal or perennial (i.e. present throughout the entire year). If you have seasonal allergic rhinitis, symptoms primarily appear during spring and fall. It is especially more pronounced during the pollinating season of the plants, in which you are extra sensitive to grass, trees, or various weeds. Those with perennial allergic rhinitis have symptoms year-round to allergens that have no seasonal variation, such as house dust mites, mold spores, or animal dander. Because of continual exposure to low concentrations of an allergen, symptoms of perennial are usually less severe than those of seasonal.
If I Have Asthma, Am I also at Risk of Developing Allergic Rhinitis?
If you have allergic rhinitis, you are at greater risk of asthmatic attacks. Allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for sinusitis and asthmatics. About 60 to 80 percent of all asthmatics have allergic rhinitis. Asthma and allergy most frequently appear together in children less than 18 years of age.
How Do We Confirm an Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosis?
We use a skin prick test to identify if you react to common allergens. Blood tests are also done to determine the sensitivity of your immune system. Other diagnostic procedures may also be carried out, including:
- Nasal provocation tests with inhalant allergens; these are designed to elicit a response in your nasal cavity by exposing you to small amount of allergens.
- Acoustic rhinometry measures your nasal cavity area and volume, helping doctors examine any nasal obstructions.
How Do We Treat Allergic Rhinitis?
Steroid (nasal or oral) and/or oral antihistamines are the first line of treatment for allergic rhinitis. Nasal irrigation may also be recommended if there is dryness in your nose. It is best to consult Dr. Patel first before self-medicating, so you can be safe and prevent any effects from prolonged use of steroid drugs. Steroid treatment of allergic reactions is also prohibited for people with osteoporosis, diabetes, and hypertension, so it is always a good idea to consult Dr. Patel’s office for assistance, instead of relying on self-medication.
If you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, or are experiencing symptoms, please do not hesitate to call Dr. Patel’s offices or request an appointment online for preliminary evaluations.