Health

Nasal Allergies: When Should You Worry?

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2021

Nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis is a common condition in both adults and children. Your quality of life is greatly reduced due to allergic rhinitis and it can take a significant toll on an individual due to constant sneezing, tearing, itching and difficulty breathing due to nasal congestion. Many people with nsal allergies find it difficult to sleep well. In some cases, one may also suffer recurrent dizziness and headaches.

Did you know that nasal allergies can be treated and well managed? Nasal allergies may also lead to sinus problems, like sinus infections. An experienced ENT physician will help you to regain control of your nasal allergy.

How to identify if I have a nasal allergy?

If you have any of the following symptoms, then you might have allergic rhinitis.

A runny nose
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Itchy nose
Feeling of phlegm or mucus inside your nose and throat
Sore throat
Coughing
Watery and itchy eyescan
Light-headedness and frequent headaches
Dark circles under the eyes
Nosebleeds
Hives
Eczema

When exposed to allergens, you may experience one or more symptoms. Longterm exposure can cause fatigue and headaches. Symptoms can be persistent all year round or occur when exposed to large quantities of the allergen. If the symptoms do not settle after a week or so, then it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis occurs when your body is exposed to allergens. It could be pollen, grass, house dust mites or animal fur. When one comes into contact with these allergens, it causes the body to release histamine, which is a natural chemical helping the body to defend against allergens. Histamine release leads to the allergy-related symptoms of sneezing, itchy nose with watery eyes, runny nose and blocked nose.

Many people seem to get used to the chronic nasal congestion and sinus problems, without realising the impact these allergies have made to their lives. People forget what it was like before developing these allergies and wrongly assume that it is “normal” to have a blocked runny nose. To relieve a flare up of symptoms, many generally grab over the counter medications. A recommended allergy specialist like Dr. Annabelle Leong at the ENT Clinic in Singapore can help you with a long- lasting treatment plan and relieve you of nasal allergy symptoms.

What are the risk factors of nasal allergy?

Allergies can affect both young and old, but individuals who have a family history of allergies have a higher chance of developing the condition. Atopic eczema and asthma can increase the risk. Other external triggers could be long term exposure to air pollution, cigarette smoke, chemicals, smoke from burning plastics and wood, perfumes and weather changes including cold and windy conditions.

How is nasal allergy diagnosed?

Your ENT doctor will take your medical history and do a physical examination. In addition, allergy testing may be performed. A skin prick test is the most common while an allergy blood test for allergy-related antibodies to various allergens may be undertaken by your ENT doctor.

What can I do to prevent nasal allergies?

Keeping your home free from allergens can help. Use of an air purifier instead of opening the windows will help to filter allergens. Keeping fabrics and curtains clean and vacuuming carpets will be useful at reducing the number of allergens at home. A dehumidifier can also help with excessive moist conditions to reduce the growth of moulds at home. Washing your pillows and bedlinen in hot water at 60 degrees and drying them in direct sunlight can help to reduce the presence of house dust mites, the most common trigger for nasal allergies and allergic rhinitis in Singapore.

Can over the counter medications help allergic rhinitis?

Mild allergic rhinitis can be treated by using over the counter medicines. Nasal sprays help in reducing the inflammation caused in the nasal passages. Antihistamines can also help in relieving sneezing and itching. Decongestants are also available as over the counter medications. These medicines help if you only have mild symptoms once in a while.

What are the prescription treatments for allergic rhinitis?

If you are suffering from persistent symptoms which are not responding to over the counter medications, then prescription treatment is needed.

Doctor-prescribed nasal steroid sprays can help to relieve congestion, itchiness and sneezing. It is safe with very minimal absorption into the body and is effective since it is directly applied on the affected area. Prescription antihistamines and decongestants also help in relieving symptoms and controlling the condition. Desensitisation treatment in the form of sublingual immunotherapy may also be suitable for those suffering from severe house dust mite allergies, where a small amount of the allergen in the form of a tablet or spray is applied daily under your tongue to gradually and safely build immunity towards the allergen. This usually takes 3-5 years to achieve and is quite successful for house dust mite allergy.

What are the self-help steps for allergic rhinitis?

Apart from medications, a simple but very effective method to help relieve symptoms includes nasal irrigation with a saline douche. This involves squirting sea-salt water with sodium bicarbonate into the nose to keep it clear of allergen buildup. It could also help in relieving sinus symptoms.

Cleansing the nasal passages with saltwater clears out allergens which trigger symptoms. A simple squeezy bottle, syringe or a neti-pot can be used. A warm shower and applying warm compress over the nose may also be helpful.

What complications can arise from nasal allergies?

If nasal allergies persist or become severe, complications may occur, such as frequent sinus infections, facial pain or headaches, worsening asthma with difficulty breathing and wheezing, and inability to sleep. Nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis can also lead a persistent drip of mucus flowing down your throat which can result in throat irritation, sore throat or even throat infections. Ear infections with buildup of fluid behind the eardrum and earache can also occur due to the congestion of the Eustachian pressure tubes which open up at the back of the nose. Eye infections with puffy red sore eyes, as a complication of allergic rhinitis may also be something to worry about.

Health

How Circuhealth Clinic’s Treatment Will Benefit You: A Comprehensive Guide

Published

1 week ago

July 15, 2024

Michelle Langton

Maintaining optimal health can be challenging in the modern world. Busy lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and the stress of daily life can all contribute to a decline in our overall well-being. Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, led by the renowned Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health by improving circulatory health through various advanced, non-invasive treatments.

The Importance of Circulatory Health

Circulatory health is fundamental to overall wellness. The circulatory system is responsible for delivering oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body and removing waste products. When this system is compromised, it can lead to a host of health issues, including chronic fatigue, poor skin health, and even cardiovascular diseases. Improving circulation can enhance energy levels, support organ function, and promote overall vitality.

Personalized Exercise Programs

One of the cornerstones of Circuhealth Clinic’s approach is the creation of personalized exercise programs. These programs are not one-size-fits-all; instead, they are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. Personalized exercise programs can significantly enhance circulatory health by boosting blood flow, which delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to tissues and organs.

For instance, regular physical activity strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate weight. A tailored exercise program can reduce the risk of injuries, increase motivation by aligning with specific fitness goals, and provide consistent progress tracking for optimal results. This personalized attention ensures that you are not only getting fitter but also healthier in the most efficient way possible.

Detoxification Treatments

Detoxification treatments are another vital aspect of Circuhealth Clinic’s offerings. These treatments are designed to remove toxins that impair circulation, thus enhancing overall health. Circuhealth Clinic detoxification protocols include Hydration Therapy, Detox Diets, Herbal Supplements, and antioxidant consumption.

Hydration Therapy: Drinking plenty of water and hydrating fluids helps flush out toxins, promoting better circulation.
Detox Diets: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding processed foods and sugars, supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Herbal Supplements: Using herbs like milk thistle, dandelion root, and burdock root, known for their detoxifying properties, supports liver function and toxin elimination.

By incorporating these detoxification treatments, Circuhealth Clinic helps to ensure that your body is free from harmful toxins, thus improving circulatory health and overall well-being.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress can significantly impact circulatory health. High-stress levels increase cortisol production, leading to various health issues such as high blood pressure, weakened immune function, and poor skin health. Circuhealth Clinic employs several stress reduction techniques to help manage and reduce stress, thereby supporting circulatory health.

For example, the 54321 method is a grounding exercise designed to manage acute stress and reduce anxiety. This method involves identifying five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This technique can be particularly useful before bedtime to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Other stress reduction techniques include meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga. These practices help calm the mind, reduce cortisol levels, and improve overall mental health, supporting better circulatory health.

Importance of a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is crucial for maintaining good circulatory health. Circuhealth Clinic emphasizes the importance of eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Such a diet can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve energy levels, and support overall health.

For those looking to manage hypertension, Circuhealth Clinic suggests a specific dietary approach:

10 Hours Before Bed: No more caffeine.
3 Hours Before Bed: No more food or alcohol.
2 Hours Before Bed: No more work.
1 Hour Before Bed: No more screen time.
0: Number of times you hit the snooze button.

This structured approach helps regulate blood pressure and promotes better sleep, both essential for good circulatory health.

Conclusion

Circuhealth Clinic Clinic, under the expert guidance of Nadia Nassif, offers a holistic approach to health that focuses on improving circulatory health through personalized exercise programs, detoxification treatments, stress reduction techniques, and advanced diagnostics. By addressing the underlying causes of health issues and providing tailored treatment plans, Circuhealth Clinic helps individuals achieve optimal health and well-being.

Whether you are looking to manage a chronic condition, improve your overall health, or simply enhance your quality of life, Circuhealth Clinic’s comprehensive approach offers a path to better health. Embrace these treatments and lifestyle changes to experience the full benefits of improved circulatory health and overall wellness.