A blocked nose, or nasal congestion, secondary to allergies is called allergic rhinitis. According to MayoClinic.com, these symptoms affect one in five people. Allergic rhinitis is caused by a number of outdoor or indoor allergens and for this reason affects patients at different times of year. While a blocked nose from allergic rhinitis can be extremely uncomfortable, avoidance of triggers can improve symptoms significantly.
Causes
Allergies develop when a patient's body erroneously recognizes inhaled substances as harmful and produces antibodies against these substances. These substances include tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, molds, dust mites, cockroach droppings and pet dander. When the patient's body encounters these substances, the antibodies signal certain cells to release and cause the allergic reaction and nasal congestion. Patients who are allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches and pet dander may have symptoms of a blocked nose during the entire year.
Types
A runny, stuffed up nose is only one of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Other symptoms include watery, itchy eyes that may turn red. A patient may also have episodes of sneezing and his mouth may feel itchy. Additionally, the nasal congestion may result in a cough from the mucus running down the back of the throat. It can be difficult to distinguish between a cold and symptoms of allergic rhinitis. While both can cause a blocked nose, the nasal congestion from allergic rhinitis is typically thin and watery as opposed to yellow and green.
Diagnosis
Determining which allergy is causing the symptoms of nasal congestion is the most important aspect of treatment because it allows the patient to avoid these allergens. The physician will ask the patient to describe when he has symptoms and determine from the time of year and the exposures which allergies are most likely to be problematic. Allergy testing using a skin prick test can also be performed. In this test, the physician applies a small amount of the allergen to the skin and then measures the response.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention of symptoms of nasal congestion depends on the allergy that is causing these symptoms. If the symptoms are caused by outdoor allergies, keeping the windows closed and using the air conditioner as well as staying indoors as much as possible can help to prevent symptoms. If the symptoms are caused by indoor allergens, covering the pillows and mattress with dust mite covers and avoiding cats and dogs may be helpful.
Treatment
Certain medications help to relieve symptoms of a blocked nose related to allergies. Antihistamines and decongestants can help relieve symptoms once they have occurred. If the patient knows that he will be exposed to an allergen, taking an intranasal corticosteroid can help to prevent symptoms. For patients who have symptoms despite medications, immunotherapy may be recommended. Immunotherapy involves shots with small amounts of an allergen that are increased over time, ultimately allowing the immune system to become accustomed to it.
