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What are the ways to treat allergic rhinitis?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am writing to seek your expertise regarding my current health condition, which has been progressively affecting my daily life and well-being. I am a 29-year-old male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a medical history significant for an asthma-like chronic illness that developed nearly four years ago following a chemical inhalation accident. Since then, I have been managing my condition with the use of Singulair (Montelukast) and Flixotide inhalers. However, over the past few months, I have experienced a variety of concerning symptoms that have significantly impacted my quality of life:

  1. Dry nose when sleeping: I frequently experience dryness in my nasal passages when sleeping, which often leads to discomfort and irritation.

  2. Numbness in legs and arms when sleeping: During sleep, I often awaken to sensations of weakness in my arms and legs. This discomfort typically resolves upon movement but can be accompanied by occasional pain.

  3. Forehead Pain: I have been experiencing persistent pain and tightness in my forehead, which has been a source of considerable discomfort. Especially when I sense that my nose is becoming sensitive due to an irritant

  4. Congested nose: Occasionally, I notice congestion in my nasal passages, which can exacerbate my existing breathing difficulties.

  5. Joint pain and stiffness: I have been experiencing intermittent pain and stiffness in the joints of my arms and legs, along with muscle fatigue, which has impacted my mobility and daily activities.

  6. Dizziness: I often experience episodes of dizziness, particularly when moving around, which has made it challenging to carry out routine tasks.

  7. Nose sensitivity to irritants: My nasal passages are highly sensitive to irritants, and exposure to triggers such as perfume or other chemical smells can exacerbate my symptoms.

These symptoms began several months ago, following an incident where I inadvertently inhaled a significant amount of perfume while sleeping. Since then, they have persisted and worsened over time, significantly affecting my overall well-being.

Given the complexity and chronic nature of my symptoms, I am seeking your expertise to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and develop a tailored management plan. I would greatly appreciate your guidance and recommendations for further assessment, including any necessary tests or referrals to specialists. Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I can understand your concern.

By your history and description, the possibility of allergic rhinitis (Allergic rhinitis, often known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that results in sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and itchy eyes caused by allergens) is more likely. The best treatment for allergic rhinitis is intranasal corticosteroid. So you will need Mometasone (a corticosteroid) nasal spray twice daily. Get done IgE (an immunoglobulin E a type of antibody) level and eosinophil (eosinophils are specialized immune cells and are involved in inflammatory processes, like allergic disorders) count.

I suggest getting a CT PNS or computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (a diagnostic tool used for evaluation and assessment of various diseases affecting the mucosa and bony cavities of paranasal sinuses) and detailed allergy testing (skin prick test -the gold standard for allergy testing, The test involves the injection of a small amount of the suspected allergen under the surface of the skin. After about 20 minutes the area is examined).

Also, I suggest taking Montelukast (anticholinergic) plus Fexofenadine (Telfast) is more helpful as compared to plain Montelukast in your case. Consult your doctor and take the medicines accordingly.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for considering my detailed health query. I appreciate your time and attention to my situation. I wanted to follow up with a few additional questions and concerns.

1. Pain Relief for Forehead Pain:

Is it safe for me to take over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen to quickly relieve the forehead pain I sometimes experience? If not, could you recommend an alternative that would provide rapid relief?

2. Lifestyle Adjustments:Could you suggest any specific adjustments I can make in my everyday life to help manage and alleviate my symptoms? This includes strategies to reduce nasal dryness, improve sleep quality despite the numbness in my limbs, and manage dizziness during daily activities.

3. Dietary Recommendations:Are there any dietary changes or specific foods you would recommend to support my overall health and potentially reduce inflammation or improve respiratory function? I am open to any nutritional advice that might help improve my condition.

I am eager to learn more about how I can better manage my symptoms and improve my quality of life through both medical treatment and lifestyle modifications. Your expertise and guidance are greatly valued.

Thank you.

Hi,

Thanks for your follow-up question on icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Answer to your first question.

You can use painkillers like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, or Acetaminophen for headaches. You can take it twice daily.

Answer to your second question.

Do warm water gargles and steam inhalation four to five times a day. Wear a mask when you are in dusty or windy areas. Take an annual flu vaccine to prevent recurrent viral infections.

Answer to your third question.

Loose 11 to 13.2 pounds by diet and exercise. Avoid junk food. Avoid oily and spicy food. Avoid fatty food like cheese, butter, and non-vegetarian food.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need some help.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous health query with one last question and share an additional concern regarding my fluctuating oxygen levels.

I have been using a finger pulse oximeter to monitor my blood oxygen saturation levels, and I have noticed that they typically measure within an acceptable range of 97 to 98. However, there are instances when my oxygen levels drop to around 92 or 93.

I am curious to know if this fluctuation in oxygen levels is considered normal for my condition, or if it may indicate underlying issues that require further evaluation. Your insights and expertise on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

If possible get done fresh PFT (Pulmonary function test, complete evaluation of the respiratory system) to find out if the lungs are functioning fine or not. If PFT is abnormal, you may need better Inhalers which can help in oxygen saturation also.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need some help.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At July 2, 2024
Reviewed AtJuly 2, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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