Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
- thin mucous production/runny nose
- post nasal drip
- Sneezing
- itchy/watery eyes
- nasal congestion
Typically allergic rhinitis symptoms come and go throughout the year depending on what you are allergic to, but can also be year round.
Treatments
The first line treatment of allergic rhinitis are environmental controls to avoid exposure to allergens. This can include things like dust covers for bedding or a high efficient air filter (HEPA).
Second line treatments are medications to control your body’s response to allergens. Oral antihistamines are the most common medications used for this (ZyrtecⓇ, AllegraⓇ, ClaritinⓇ, BenadrylⓇ, etc.). These medications work by blocking histamine which is the primary mediator of inflammation in allergic responses. Leukotriene inhibitors are another class of medications (Singulair) that block another cause of inflammation in allergic patients. There effect is not as stong as antihistamines and are typically used in patients with asthma in addition to allergies.
Nasal steroids sprays (FlonaseⓇ, NasocortⓇ, NasonexⓇ, etc. ) are safe to use on a daily basis and are now largely over the counter. These sprays are non addictive and typically do not cause any long term changes to the nasal passages. Their most common side effect is nose bleeds which occur only in a small % of patients and often are due to improper spraying technique. Recent evidence has also shown that these sprays may increase the pressure inside of the eye and should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma.
Nasal antihistamine sprays (AstelineⓇ, PatanaseⓇ, DymistaⓇ, etc) are also safe to use on a daily basis and work by blocking the effects of allergens in the nasal lining. These sprays are most effective at improving sneezing and runny nose.
What if medications for allergies do not work?
For patients with moderate to severe allergies who do not respond to allergy medications an option is immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by desensitizing your immune system to certain allergens (think pollens, dust, animal dander) by continually exposing you to those allergens. This sounds simple, but must be done is a very specific fashion and concentrations built up over time to have an effect.
The first step of immunotherapy is allergy skin testing – this is where small amounts of the most common allergens in our area are injected just under the skin to determine what you are allergic to and how severe is your reaction.
Once it is know what exactly you are allergic to, these allergens are either injected under your skin on a weekly basis (subcutaneous immunotherapy or SCIT) or made into drops to place under your tongue daily (sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT). Again, the concentrations are specifically controlled to each patient’s allergic reactions.
Immunotherapy is an advantageous form of treatment because after 3-5yrs of treatment, symptom control is often permanent.
Discover the Benefits of MQT Allergy Testing
At Southwest Ohio ENT Specialists Inc., we’re proud to offer MQT (Modified Quantitative Testing)—a more efficient, comfortable, and accurate way to test for environmental allergies.
What Is MQT Allergy Testing?
MQT is a modern technique used to identify what’s causing your allergy symptoms—whether it’s pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, or other common environmental allergens. Unlike traditional skin testing, MQT uses a multi-pronged applicator and a precise concentration of allergens to provide consistent, accurate results with moderate discomfort (pain level is different for all patients depending on skin texture). While MQT testing can cause mild irritation at the site of application, most patients find it quick and easy to tolerate.
Why Patients Love MQT
- Timely: Unlike traditional skin prick testing (SPT), MQT testing takes about 90-120 minutes to perform, and results may be available during the same visit.
- Accurate: MQT provides clear, quantifiable results that help guide a personalized allergy treatment plan.
- Safe: Because it uses small, controlled amounts of allergens, MQT is safe for both children and adults.
How Patients Should Prepare
You will be given a YELLOW folder by your surgery scheduler at the time you are scheduled for allergy testing. Please make sure to read this thoroughly, sign any documents, and bring them with you to your appointment.
There is a list of medications contained in this folder that you need to make sure to stop using prior to testing.
If you have any questions, please make sure to call the Allergy Department to ask questions before your visit.
What to Expect During Your Visit
1. Prep:
We’ll clean the skin (typically your back or forearm) and explain every step.
2. Testing:
Using a special multi-site device, we’ll apply small amounts of allergens to your skin in a grid pattern. The device is plastic with sharp spikes. In order to apply the allergens, our technicians do need to break the skin. There is a certain amount of pressure that needs to be placed on the skins surface.
3. Wait & Watch:
After about 20 minutes, we’ll measure any reaction—redness or swelling means you may be allergic to that substance.
4. Second Round of Testing:
After the testing panels on your back, patients will have a set of needle sticks on your arm that will test for additional allergens. There are 30 intradermal needle sticks and each of these will require a 10 minute wait along with measurement for reaction.
5. Results & Plan:
You’ll leave with a better understanding of your allergies and a plan tailored to help you feel your best.