ELLICOTT CITY | GLEN BURNIE | LUTHERVILLE

You don’t have to suffer chronic nasal congestion, itchy, watery eyes, or any other allergy related symptoms. When you choose Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers in Maryland, you’ll receive the highest quality care starting at your very first appointment.

While other practices require you to take several days off of work for consultations, testing, and treatments, we strive to help you find relief on your first visit. During your initial appointment, we will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and conduct any necessary tests so that we can find the cause of your condition and start your treatment right away.

If you are suffering from mild to severe nasal or sinus symptoms, please call us today at +1 (877) 878-9314 or fill out our online form to request an appointment at any of our 3 convenient Maryland locations.

Allergic Rhinitis vs. Chronic Allergic Sinusitis

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis affect millions of people each year. Often times, these two terms are thrown around interchangeably. There is, in fact, a difference between allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages brought on by exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental allergens in those genetically predisposed to have allergies.  Chronic sinusitis refers to thickening and inflammation of the sinus walls and is often caused by allergic rhinitis.  When sinus drainage passages become clogged, infection may occur.

Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Treatment

Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens in the environment, such as pollen, dust, mold and animal dander. The immune system reacts to the allergens as if they were harmful substances and triggers an inflammatory response resulting in the following symptoms:

• Congestion
• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Post nasal drip which can cause throat irritation
• Ear pressure or popping

Most people with allergic rhinitis experience symptoms seasonally, usually at the beginning of spring and end of summer. This is known as hay fever. Other non-seasonal causes of rhinitis can include pet dander, dust mites, and indoor mold.

To help manage allergy symptoms, it may be helpful to maintain a clean home environment. Environmental control in the home, especially in the bedroom, can help reduce allergen exposure and symptoms. Dust Mite proofing of the bed, carpet removal, and limiting animal access to bedrooms all can have significant impact. There are a number of over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat allergic rhinitis and hay fever symptoms.  Treatments could be in the form of pills, liquid, eye drops, nasal sprays,  or even nasal rinses. See a rhinitis specialist to determine what may be best for you.

Sinusitis Symptoms and Treatment

Sinusitis can be caused by allergies or infections from common colds. Similar to allergic rhinitis, those affected by sinusitis experience inflammation and congestion in the nose. However, sinusitis sufferers may also experience pain or pressure in the sinuses, back of the eyes, forehead or ears. Other common symptoms include:

• Congestion
• Itchy or runny nose
• Facial tenderness or swelling
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of smell
• Headaches
• Throat irritation

Treatment for sinusitis can vary depending on the cause. Many people are able to recover from sinusitis on their own without medical treatment, but if you have been experiencing worsening symptoms for several days, or have a fever, you should make an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. If the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help kill the bacteria and relieve the symptoms. A sinusitis specialist would be able to determine what kind of treatment you would need.

Contact Mardiney® Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology Centers in Maryland

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis or sinusitis can cause an incredible amount of pain or discomfort. Acute cases can also be a sign of exposure to an unknown allergen. Speak to a doctor to find the source of your symptoms and to prevent future occurrences. Allergy testing and immunotherapy may be able to determine the cause of your condition and eliminate symptoms.

If you are suffering from mild to severe nasal or sinus symptoms, please call us today at +1 (877) 878-9314 or fill out our online form to request an appointment at any of our 3 convenient Maryland locations.