Allergy Symptoms That You Shouldn't Overlook

When you're struggling with allergy symptoms, one of the hardest things to determine is when you should see your doctor. While over-the-counter allergy treatments are helpful, such as fluticasone nasal spray through a place like Dymista, sometimes you need more than what the traditional retail treatment can provide. In those situations, your doctor is your best resource. Here are a few symptoms you may be experiencing that should tell you it's time to call the doctor about your allergies.

Persistent Runny or Stuffy Sinuses

When you suffer with chronic stuffiness or runniness from your nose, that's an indication that your sinuses are being repeatedly stressed and irritated. While this is the most common symptom of nasal allergies, it's also one that you should not ignore.

Start by treating your symptoms with allergy medication or by avoiding anything that you already know to be a trigger. This will help you reduce your symptoms if they are, in fact, due to an allergic reaction. If you don't know your allergy triggers, you can have immuno-therapy testing done to find out for sure.

Persistent irritation of the sinuses can be caused by a sinus infection as easily as it can allergies, so any time the symptoms persist (especially after allergy medication), you should reach out to your doctor for a thorough exam.

Pressure In Your Sinuses

When your sinuses are irritated due to an allergic reaction or a sinus infection, those sinus cavities can fill up with mucus. That mucus causes pressure and often pain in the sinus area. You can minimize this discomfort with a warm compress on the affected areas. The heat will help to encourage that congestion to break up. Sometimes saline nasal sprays and steam treatments can soothe you, too.

If the typical over-the-counter treatments don't ease your discomfort, the pressure in your sinuses may be the direct result of a sinus infection. In that case, you'll need to see your doctor right away to obtain an antibiotic or other treatment as necessary.

Eye Itching

Allergies often lead to watery, scratchy, and itchy eyes. These symptoms are often dismissed or treated with eye drops because it's often assumed that they won't cause any long-term issues. The truth is, when your eyes itch and you rub at them, you're risking worsening your problem.

To avoid causing persistent discomfort to your eyes, try to avoid anything that you know you're allergic to. During the pollen season, keep your windows closed and an air conditioning system running with a filtration system to keep the particles out. This will help to minimize the effects of the pollen until it calms down. Wear sunglasses that wrap around your face when you go out, because that will help keep the pollen from blowing into your eyes.

Cold compresses are great for soothing itchy eyes. Try not to rub them, though. Rubbing your eyes may cause irritation and can even inadvertently force pollen further into your eye.

Postnasal Drip

If you're struggling with stuffy sinuses and you find that you're swallowing a lot more often, you may have a bit of a postnasal drip. This refers to the draining of mucus into your throat. You may notice it as an urge to swallow, or in other cases it may feel like you have a lump in your throat. One of the most common complaints about a postnasal drip is that it causes throat irritation, discomfort when swallowing, and sometimes a persistent cough. Drink more water or other clear liquids to help thin the mucus and talk with your doctor about a nasal spray that will help you ease the symptoms. Nasal sprays will help you flush out the mucus and clear your sinus cavities.

Share