Spring means warmer days, grass coming up faster and allergic rhinitis, often called "hay fever."
There is no one-size-fits-all diagnosis for allergies, Diana Ruiloba, a physician assistant at Arizona Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers in Scottsdale, who specializes in ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions, told Arizona Business Daily.
"Allergies can present themselves in various forms, such as runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, etc.," Ruiloba said. "If allergies are not addressed and managed appropriately, this may lead to sinus disease or may be amplifying the sinus disease already present."
Believe it or not, putting off getting help for chronic sinus conditions can actually get expensive.
"There can also be a financial impact, if you are having to routinely manage sinusitis with medications or by having to take days off of work or school," Ruiloba said.
Nasal allergies or allergic rhinitis account for one of the most common causes of chronic illness in the U.S., according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Hay fever often is triggered by inhaling environmental pollutants, such as tree pollen and other airborne particles, in addition to pet dander, insects and mold.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and itching of the eyes, nose and roof of the mouth, according to Mayo Clinic. Those who suffer persistent allergic rhinitis, or pollinosis, often experience symptoms year-round.
A solution that can alleviate symptoms of chronic nasal inflammation is one of the most basic: the Neti Pot. WebMD describes this time-honored form of nasal irrigation as a plastic or ceramic pot "that looks like a cross between a small teapot and Aladdin's magic lamp," which originates from the Ayurvedic/yoga medical tradition.
Research backs up long-time claims that regular use of a Neti Pot, or other nasal irrigation devices, alleviate congestion, as well as facial pain and pressure, for many who suffer from sinus conditions, according to WebMD.
"For some people, nasal irrigation may bring relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications," WebMD says. "The basic explanation of how the Neti Pot works is that it thins mucus and helps flush it out of the nasal passages."
A study published in 2018 by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found saline nasal irrigation reduced symptoms in the study's 747 participants observed over three months, compared to no rinse at all. The study also found that nasal irrigation is an inexpensive yet effective alternative to steroids and over-the-counter medications.
The study cautioned that nasal irrigation is a treatment, not a cure, for nasal inflammation and allergies and that symptoms so severe that they interfere with quality of life should be examined by a doctor.
If you or a loved one is dealing with hay fever this spring, consider taking this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to evaluate your symptoms.