It’s that time of the year some of us dread the most and that is…..ALLERGY SEASON. The most common airborne allergies are; pollen, dust, and animal dander. There are some short term and long term treatments available for this problem.
Short term treatments include using antihistamines, which function by limiting the effects of histamine; a known substance in our bodies that cause inflammation and allergy symptoms. Another option could be you can take decongestants which come in many forms such as: pills, liquids, nose drops and nasal sprays. These types of treatments are available as both prescription and over the counter options. They are meant to reduce sinus related symptoms such as post-nasal drip, watery eyes, allergic conjunctivitis, and constant running nose.
Allergies can cause inflamed turbinates that are located inside of your nose. There are three turbinates on each side of the nose (superior, middle and inferior). These can actually be reduced in size while conserving their critical purpose, which is to warm, filter, and moisten the air we breathe. Turbinates get irritated by pollen, dust, and dander and enlarge thus limiting the amount of air we breathe and decreasing the air they filter.
If you are looking for a long term permanent solution to turbinate hypertrophy (enlargement) there is turbinate reduction surgery. Call or email to book a nose consultation to see if you are a right candidate for this life changing surgical procedure!
