At the beginning of every allergy season – spring and fall – you may experience a stuffy nose and painful sinuses because of your allergies. Your nose is not stuffed because of too much mucus. Instead, it is congested because the membranes inside your nasal passages are swollen from your body’s reaction to specific allergens. Gaining control over your allergies helps you avoid these symptoms.
Cause of Swollen Membranes
When you come into contact with a known allergen, such as pet dander, pollen or mold spores, you inhale them. After inhaling these substances, your system responds by producing antibodies, just as if you had come into contact with a dangerous or infectious substance. After the antibodies are released, your immune system then releases histamine, which leads to blood vessel dilation and swollen membranes. Some of the symptoms you may experience include stuffy nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes. You might develop “allergic shiners,” or a darkening of the skin just under your eyes. If you have asthma, you may suffer asthma attacks.
Allergy Components
Your body contains several immune system players, including antibodies, such as immunoglobulin E, or IgE and mast cells. When you develop an allergic response, the antibodies and IgE connect themselves to mast cells in your respiratory system and skin. Because your system is so sensitive, the mast cells release histamine – which leads to the swollen membranes in your nose and airways. Your eyes may also tear more than normal, making it look as if you are crying -- and your nose begins to run.
Controlling Swollen Membranes
The only effective way of controlling your allergic reactions and swollen membranes is to avoid substances to which you know you are allergic. Ask your doctor for a referral to an allergist, who will examine you and test you for allergies. Using the “skin prick” test, he'll look for the substances to which your body reacts. When you react to a tiny amount of such substances, your skin becomes itchy, irritated and swollen. Your allergies may be seasonal or they may be year-round, or perennial, indicating you are allergic to substances inside your home, such as dust, pet dander or mold.
Treatments
Avoid allergens when you can. If you cannot avoid them, reduce your exposure as much as you can by closing house and car windows and using your air conditioning. If you must go outside on windy days when the pollen counts are high, change clothes, shower, wash your hair, and wash your hands and face frequently. Your doctor may prescribe decongestants that help reduce the swelling in your sinuses, nose and ears. If you are sensitive to these medications, you may experience increased blood pressure and heart rate. Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines help reduce the effects of histamines on your respiratory system. Some of these medications are non-drowsy formulations, but if you take one that causes sleepiness, taking it at bedtime may help. Nasal sprays, both over-the-counter and prescription, can help reduce or prevent nasal and sinus congestion. Three decongestant nasal sprays are safe for daily use – cromolyn, steroid and nasal antihistamine. The decongestant sprays can cause you to become physically dependent, leading to “rebound” congestion.
