Allergic Rhinitis

What is allergic rhinitis? 

Allergic rhinitis are allergies. Rhinitis is defined as "an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose."  It is sometimes referred to as hay fever and happens when your immune systems reacts to pollens in the air that you breathe. This creates an allergic response. This causes sneezing, runny nose and congestion. You may have these symptoms all year or just certain seasons.  Occasionally, allergies and their symptoms affect you less over time.  More commonly, their severity gets worse as time passes. So how can you tell if you have allergic rhinitis?

• Sneezing. Frequent and repetitive sneezing, especially when you first wake up.
• Runny Nose. Clear, thin and constant drainage signals allergic rhinitis. (If the drainage is thick, yellow or cloudy this is a sign of a cold or infection.)
• Irritated Eyes. Watery and itchy eyes.
• Irritated Mucous Membranes. Irritated and itchy ears, mouth and nose all indicate allergic rhinitis.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Pollens from grass, weeds, trees and animal dander are most common and well known. Just as common, but lesser known, are allergies to dust mites, cockroaches, mold, cereal grain, wood dust and certain chemicals. If you are showing symptoms only certain times of the year- seasonally, then the most common culprits are pollens and molds. However, if your symptoms are year round, dust mites and indoor allergens are what is causing your allergic rhinitis symptoms. Having your doctor administer a skin allergy test is the most accurate way to determine which one is causing your symptoms. This involves putting a small amount of a particular allergen on your skin to see what reaction your body produces.  Your immune system will over-react to things your body is allergic to by developing a rash or hives.
Once you know for certain what your body is allergic to, you can proactively lessen your symptoms with certain products specially formulated for that particular allergen.  Products such as Allergena Natural Allergy Relief, not only help to ease allergic rhinitis symptoms, but assist in helping your body's immune system heal.  This encourages our body to heal itself so your symptoms lessen naturally over time.

Summer Allergies

It's no surprise most people eagerly anticipate the arrival of summer. But with summer's arrival comes summer allergies.

The days are longer, the weather is warmer and the official start of summer is quickly approaching. Summer is a time for outdoor activities, picnics, barbecues, trips to the beach or pool and vacations. With all the fun, unfortunately for some of us, comes sneezing, runny noses, itchy watery eyes, wheezing and coughing. Having summer allergies doesn't have to ruin your fun. Identifying which allergens are highest in your area or zone can help you determine how to nip your summer allergies in the bud. If you haven't specified which allergens are causing your symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. He will do a skin test checking for common allergens based on where you live- your zone.

Nationwide, the most common culprit for allergies is pollen. Specifically, tree and grass pollen affects most allergy sufferers in the spring and early summer and mold and weed pollen mid- to late summer. The types of pollen will vary from zone to zone, but they do tend to follow a consistent pattern seasonally.

Even though it is not possible to avoid pollen entirely, here are some simple ways to help you lessen your symptoms from summer allergies:

• Use a preventative product daily - Allergena -Each product is customized to specific zones. This ensures you will get the relief YOU need to alleviate and prevent symptoms.
• Avoid exercising outdoors when pollen count is high. These tend to be hot, dry and windy days and usually between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Not only are these things crucial to protect you from the sun's harmful rays, but they also help prevent pollen from getting on your face and in your eyes.
• Keep windows closed and make sure fans are not positioned to blow air from outside into your home.
• Wash your hair at night and change your clothing before getting in to bed. This way you aren't bringing allergens onto your bedding.
• If you're allergic to mold, get a dehumidifier for your home. Mold thrives in damp and humid environments. Additionally, wearing a face mask while mowing your lawn and gardening will keep those mold spores at bay.