If you have allergies, you probably have experienced nasal congestion. Nasal congestion can make it difficult to breathe. Your ENT specialist can help. Dr. Christina McAlpin in Los Angeles, CA, provides a wide range of ear, nose, and throat services, including allergy testing and treatment for nasal congestion.
What You Need To Know About Allergies and Nasal Congestion
When you are exposed to an allergen, your body reacts. One of those reactions is nasal congestion. Your nasal passages become inflamed and plugged.
One of the most important steps you can take is to have allergy testing to find out what you are allergic to. When you know what is causing nasal inflammation, you may be able to avoid the substance.
Nasal congestion may resolve without treatment. You should seek out the expertise of an ENT specialist if you:
- Are experiencing nasal congestion lasting longer than 10 days
- Have a high fever in addition to nasal congestion
- Notice a yellow or green discharge coming from your nose
- Notice blood coming from your nose
- Are experiencing chronic facial pain in addition to nasal congestion
Your ENT specialist will determine the cause of your nasal congestion and may recommend allergy treatment consisting of:
- Allergy injections
- Sublingual immunotherapy
- Prescription antihistamines
To treat nasal congestion your ENT specialist may recommend:
- Decongestants to decrease congestion
- Nasal sprays to open nasal passages
You can do a lot to reduce allergens in the air and help prevent nasal congestion. You should:
- Vacuum frequently, or consider switching to hardwood floors
- Wash pillowcases and sheets frequently
- Use hypoallergenic sheets and linens
- Install a HEPA filter in the bedroom to filter out irritants
- Keep pets off furniture and out of the bedroom
Want To Know More About Allergies and Nasal Congestion?
To learn more about allergies and nasal congestion, call ENT specialist, Dr. McAlpin in Los Angeles, CA. You can reach her in the office by calling (213) 745-4060, so call today.