Nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, involve inflammation of the nasal tissues, called mucous membranes. This results in a variety of symptoms, including:
- runny nose
- sneezing
- congestion
- itching of the nose, throat and roof of the mouth
- eye itching and watering.
Some patients only experience these symptoms during certain times of the year. This is called Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, and generally involves pollens and molds. Other patients experience symptoms year round, called Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, which can involve animal dander, dust, and cockroaches in addition to pollens and molds.
In an effort to better maintain nasal allergy symptom relief, there are three main branches of treatment: avoidance, medications, and allergen immunotherapy.