Allergy Nasal Filter Can Help Control Rhinitis Symptoms

The following article describes how nasal allergies develop and various types of equipment to control the effect of air-borne allergens that cause a nasal allergy.  A very good alternative to an allergy nasal filter is a compact personal air purifier that is worn around the neck and produces an ion stream around the mouth, nose and eyes to repel particles from entering the breathing zone. For more information on this technology, send us an e-mail with your name and phone number at mailto:personal-air-purifer@overcomeallergies.com

Do you experience frequent stages of intense sneezing and itching?

Do you to always have a runny or stuffy nose, like a dripping faucet that can’t be turned off?

Do you have these problems all the time or at certain times of the year?

A nasal allergy is one of the most common illnesses in the United States. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) estimates that more than 50,000,000 (that’s fifty million) people have rhinitis, a condition that affects the lining in the nose.

Professionals identify three primary types of rhinitis: allergic, infectious and non-allergic.

A nasal allergy evolving from allergic rhinitis occurs when you inhale allergens - harmless substances that cause symptoms in some people and not others. The immune systems of those with allergic rhinitis misinterpret the allergens as threats to the body. Immune system cells produce create histamine and leukotrienes to combat the allergens. The result is inflammation in the nasal lining which creates an over-sensitive reaction to smoke, odors or even temperature changes. A seasonal allergy to pollens from grasses, trees and weeds is often called hay fever.

Allergic rhinitis triggered by common indoor allergens, is called perennial allergic rhinitis. Allergens include animal dander (dried skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, droppings from dust mites and cockroach particles. Controlling the indoor environment is important to keep allergens at bay.

Two very common causes of rhinitis are the common cold and the flu. These illnesses are examples of infectious rhinitis, which is cause by a virus. Curing the common cold is not simple; a cold can be cause by any one of more than 200 viruses. According to the AAAAI, young children in daycare and school may have eight to 12 colds a year. Typically cold symptoms are resolved with two weeks, and symptoms often improve after three to seven days.

The most common condition causing rhinitis is the common cold, an example of infectious rhinitis. Most infections are relatively short-lived, with symptoms improving at three to seven days. Colds can be caused by any one of more than 200 viruses. Children, particularly young children in school or day care centers, may have from eight to 12 colds each year. Fortunately, the frequency of colds lessens after immunity has been produced from exposure to many viruses.

Colds usually begin with a sensation of congestion, rapidly followed by runny nose and sneezing. Over the next few days, congestion becomes more prominent, the nasal mucus may become colored, and there may be a slight fever and cough. Cold symptoms resolve within a couple of weeks, although a cough may sometimes persist. Cold symptoms that last longer may be due to other causes, such as chronic rhinitis or sinusitis.

The third type of rhinitis that seems to puzzle medical professionals is non-allergic rhinitis. One out of every three people with rhinitis seem to have the non-allergic type. The symptoms seem to be caused by air pollution, strong odors, smoke and other irritants.

Dealing with Nasal Allergies

Both the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommend seeing an allergist/immunologist to test and treat the symptoms. There are a variety of treatments, depending upon the test results, patient biography and other factors. A qualified physician is the best person to diagnose and prescribe medicine.

That being said, taking charge of your own consumer education is a prudent measure. Both ACAAI and AAAAI publish information materials. The AAAAI publishes a Tips Brochure that provides useful background material on Oral and Nasal Antihistamines, Nasal corticosteroid sprays, decongestant sprays, and leukotriene modifiers.  Often an effective way to control the allergens or irritants in an indoor environment is to use an allergy relief air purifier.