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East Indy News

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Spring is here and that means hay fever for allergy sufferers

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Some otolaryngologists recommend neti pots as one tool to help their patients who suffer from sinus infections. | Shutterstock

Some otolaryngologists recommend neti pots as one tool to help their patients who suffer from sinus infections. | Shutterstock

Spring arrived on time this year, with warmer days, grass growing quickly, flowers blooming and allergic rhinitis, often known as "hay fever."

Treating seasonal allergies and other sinus conditions is best left to the professionals, Dr. Anthony Sanders of the Indianapolis Sinus Center in Greenwood told East Indy News.

"If you're not seeking a physician's help, you can take things like pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, saline nasal rinses, nasal steroids, decongestants," Sanders said. "And they all tend to help with those kind of symptoms. This has a tendency, unfortunately, in at least 20% of people, to be a chronic situation where you may get better temporarily, but the problem goes on."

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 that saline nasal irrigation reduced symptoms in the study's 747 participants who were 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 also cautioned that nasal irrigation is a treatment, not a cure, for nasal inflammation and allergies, and if symptoms are so severe that they interfere with quality of life, you should be examined by a ear, nose and throat doctor.

If you or a loved one is suffering from hay fever this season, please take our Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.

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