You can develop irritating post-nasal drip from your airborne allergy symptoms. Once the allergens have gotten into your system, your body’s immune system goes into overdrive, releasing antibodies, which trigger additional allergy symptoms. It is important to stop your allergic response before you encounter the substances to which you are allergic.
Post-Nasal Drip and Other Symptoms
Your exposure to substances to which your body reacts causes a two-stage reaction. In the first stage, your body develops what is called the inflammatory response inside your nose. This phase begins within minutes of your body’s exposure to allergens. Histamine attaches itself to mast cells within your body. The histamine leads to an enlargement of the blood vessels inside your nose, which causes the nasal congestion and stuffy feeling. Your nose begins to run. Several hours later -- in the second stage -- your nasal passages swell, making it difficult for you to breathe with your nose. Your nasal secretions begin to go down the back of your throat, which is called post-nasal drip. The longer you experience post-nasal drip, the more likely you are to develop a sore throat.
Diagnosis
When you visit your doctor for diagnosis, he takes a full history, including that of your immediate family. If either one of your parents had allergies or if you have a family history of allergies, you are more likely to experience them as well. If you have a history of eczema and itching, you are also more likely to have developed allergies. When the doctor performs his physical exam, he might find that you have a mushy nasal mucus, which may be tinted a pale blue. You might not have a fever, but you could have dark circles under your eyes – called “allergic shiners.” The doctor will also look for a horizontal crease on your nose. This is the allergic salute, so called because as you try to clear your nose you might swipe upward from your mouth toward your forehead. If the doctor finds other signs of allergies, he progresses to skin testing to pin down your exact allergies.
First-Generation Medications
First-generation antihistamines include chlorpheniramine, 4 mg every four to six hours, phenindamine, 25 mg every four to six hours and clemastine, 1.34 mg two times a day and up to 2.68 mg three times a day. Another first-generation medication is diphenydramine, which you take at a dose of 25 to 50 mg every six to eight hours. All of these medications work to block your body’s histamine response, but they also cause you to feel drowsy for the first several days you take them. All of these medications are available over-the-counter.
Second-Generation Treatments
The second-generation medications include fexofenadine, loratadine and desloratadine.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays include beclomethasone, budesonide, flinisolide and fluticasone. All of these can cause side effects ranging from nasal stinging to headache, nose bleeds and fever. You can buy an over-the-counter cromolyn nasal spray. You may have an increase in sneezing and experience nasal stinging. Pseudoephedrine is an over-the-counter decongestant. This medication can cause an increase in blood pressure and heart rate, headache and excitability. Montelukast is an antileukotriene available by prescription only. You may experience dizziness, headache and tiredness when you take it.
Avoidance
Try to avoid known allergens and keep humidity in your house down. Keep your home clean of dust and dust mites. Get rid of stuffed animals and carpeting. Instead, use area rugs. Use air purifiers and air conditioning. If you have pets, keep them out of your house or bedroom. Close windows at night and do not open them until mid-morning after the pollen levels have subsided. Wash your hair frequently to rid yourself of pollen. Keep cigarette smoke out of your house.
