About this topic
Seasonal allergies are also called allergic rhinitis. It is a set of signs. They happen when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust or pollen. These are called allergens. The signs are: ‚
- Stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Consider using an air purifier in your home, mainly in your bedroom.
- Use vacuum cleaners and air conditioners with HEPA filters. These can trap allergens.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to treat the signs. Take your drugs as ordered. You may also take allergy shots if you have had allergy tests. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. If your health problem is caused by an allergy to pollens or molds, you may want to limit your time outdoors. Talk to your doctor about what activities are best for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Asthma may get worse
- Sinus infection
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Try to avoid allergens. ‚
- If you are allergic to pollens, grasses, trees, etc:
- Stay inside in the morning when pollen counts are high.
- Avoid going outside when the trees, grasses, or weeds are blooming.
- Keep the windows of your house and car closed.
- Use an air conditioner.
- If you are allergic to dust, molds, dust mites, pets, etc:
- Clean your air conditioner or furnace filters regularly.
- Cover pillows and mattresses with vinyl covers to lower your exposure to dust mites.
- Wash bedding weekly in very hot water.
- Use fewer dust-collecting items, such as curtains, bed skirts, carpeting, and stuffed animals, mainly in your bedroom.
- If you cant avoid having a furry pet, vacuum often and keep your pet out of bedrooms and other rooms with carpets.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help make the air cleaner.
- I can tell you what may help ease my allergies.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/rhinitis.aspx ‚
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ‚
http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=9&sub=19&cont=268 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚