Allergy Alerts

Allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens in the air are breathed by a patient that is allergic to them, irritating and inflaming the nasal passages. Allergens may include dust mites, pollen, molds, or pet dander. In people who are allergic to them, these particles trigger the release of a chemical in the body that causes nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, and runny nose. These symptoms can lead to poor sleep, which can result in significant daytime sleepiness and fatigue.

Allergic rhinitis (allergies) may occur year-round or seasonally. When it occurs seasonally it is usually caused by airborne particles from trees, grass, ragweed, or outdoor mold. Causes of year-round allergic rhinitis include indoor substances such as mold and dust mites in bedding, mattresses, and carpeting. Outdoor allergens cannot necessarily be avoided, but one can play a part in creating an allergy-free environment indoors with a hypoallergenic memory foam or latex mattress.

Sleep problems are common in people with allergic rhinitis. One study found that sleep is dramatically impaired by allergic symptoms and that the degree of impairment is related to the severity of those symptoms. In addition, sleep problems are linked with fatigue and daytime sleepiness as well as decreased productivity at work or school, impaired learning and memory, depressed mood, and a reduced quality of life.

With such a high rate of sleep disorders and other health problems among allergic rhinitis patients, getting adequate sleep on a regular basis is essential to maintaining physical and mental health as well as performance, safety, and overall well-being.

Symptoms

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis (allergies) include:

• nasal congestion
• sore throat
• coughing
• sneezing
• runny nose
• headache

Allergic rhinitis is sometimes associated with itchy, watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) and wheezing and coughing (asthma). These symptoms - especially nasal congestion - can lead to impaired sleep, which can result in significant daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Fatigue can be prevented with an allergy-free foam mattress!

Treatment

Treatment of allergic rhinitis (allergies) begins with a diagnosis of allergies. A history and physical examination is the first step. Your physician will ask about the severity and duration of your symptoms as well as what triggers them . You may also be given an allergy test to identify the specific allergens causing your symptoms. Due to the prevalence of sleep problems among allergic rhinitis patients, questions about sleep and daytime sleepiness should also be a part of a medical examination for allergic rhinitis.

There are several over-the-counter medications that may relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including antihistamines, and decongestants. These medications may cause drowsiness and daytime sleepiness. Talk to your physician about finding the best medication to treat your symptoms and discuss any concerns you may have that use of a medication might interfere with your alertness when driving, at work, or completing your responsibilities or activities. Preventative treatment is much preferred and can be accomplished when taking note to set up a healthy sleep environment, such as one including a memory foam or latex mattress.

Treatment for allergic rhinitis should focus on improving sleep, which may improve health, quality of life, and general well-being.

Coping

The best way to cope with allergic rhinitis (allergies) is to avoid the allergens and irritants that trigger symptoms. Those triggers may include:

• pollen
• dust
• pet dander
• mold
• dust mites
• feathers
• tobacco smoke

Symptoms caused by dust mites in bedding and mattresses may be reduced by washing sheets and blankets once a week in hot water, but investing in a hypoallergenic foam mattress is more of a guarantee. Box springs can also be sealed with special coverings to further minimize exposure to dust mites and other allergens.

In addition, try these tips for coping with allergic rhinitis symptoms:

• Stay indoors on days with high pollen or ragweed counts
• Keep windows closed and air-conditioning on to prevent pollens and pollutants from entering and lower humidity
• Use a dehumidifier to help prevent to accumulation of mold spores
• Wash pets regularly and do not sleep in the same room with them
• Use vacuums and air cleaners rated for their ability to remove allergens from the air
• Vacuum often
• Change air filters monthly

Finally, it is important to allow time for sleep. Being sleep deprived may affect your overall health and prevent your body from defending itself against the allergens that cause your symptoms. Try this tip before bedtime: take a hot shower which may be relaxing but may also help open nasal passages and also wash away allergens in the hair or on the skin.

Click here to learn more about dust mites