Eastern Virginia Medical School Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting over 25 million Americans. Symptoms include sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, post-nasal drip, snoring, and watery, itchy eyes. Some patients only have these symptoms occasionally, while other patients may have symptoms during an entire pollen season.
Many patients have symptoms throughout the entire year.
I'm Dr. Gary Moss, an assistant professor of clinical internal medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School and a board certified specialist in allergy and immunology. In addition to causing a great deal of discomfort, allergic rhinitis can also provoke a number of other problems, such as ear infections, sinus infections, fatigue, impaired school or work performance, and a diminished sense of well-being. Children with allergic rhinitis have an increased likelihood of developing asthma, and existing asthma is more difficult to control if the allergic rhinitis is not treated. The first step in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is to identify and, if possible, to remove whatever is causing your allergies from your environment. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, or eye drops.