Farewell winter woes…but with spring arrives that itchy nose

Part of an ongoing series dedicated to raising health and safety awareness across the Temple community.

Have you had a persistently runny or stuffy nose? Have your eyes been itchy and watering? Perhaps you have been sneezing or coughing recently. If you have been suffering with any of these symptoms, you may have allergic rhinitis. If symptoms occur seasonally you may have a variant of allergic rhinitis called hay fever. Hay fever is triggered from plant pollens in the spring and summer. Some people have symptoms all year long, or perennially. People with perennial symptoms may be reacting to indoor triggers such as molds, dust mites, or pet dander.

The diagnosis is typically made by early adulthood. It is not uncommon for people to have symptoms for years without a definitive diagnosis. There is often a genetic component. If you have parents with allergic rhinitis, you are more likely to develop it yourself. Finding the source may be helpful but is usually not necessary. If your symptoms are more severe and prolonged, a visit to an allergy specialist is probably a good idea. This doctor can order skin or blood testing to identify your allergy triggers. The allergist may advise allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help prevent your symptoms.

For most of us, a trial of the various over the counter medications is a good start. Antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) reduce itchiness, runny nose, and sneezing. Decongestants, such as phenylephrine, oxymetolazone (Afrin), and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) help reduce nasal congestion. Products that contain both antihistamines and decongestants are available for those with multiple symptoms. Itchy eyes can be specifically treated with antihistamine containing eye drops. For more persistent symptoms, a steroid nasal spray can provide long term relief. This particular medication requires a prescription. Feel free to visit Student Health Services or Employee Health Services if you would like further advice. Happy Spring!

This article was written by Dr. Nasreen Malik, staff physician for Student Health Services and is part of an ongoing series of health and safety articles aiming to raise awareness among Temple University employees, faculty and students about a range of health and safety issues. This is an initiative developed by Temple’s Health and Safety Committee, comprising members from across the University community. If you have health and safety questions, suggestions or concerns, please e-mail the Health and Safety Committee at healthandsafety@temple.edu.