What can help my seasonal allergies?

If you experience a runny nose, sneezing and nasal stuffiness, you may be suffering from a condition known as allergic rhinitis, or hay fever. Allergic rhinitis is very common, especially in the fall, and affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. alone.

According to Deya Jourdy, MD, an ENT Sinus and Nasal Specialist at Westchester Medical Center (WMC), allergic rhinitis can be managed with avoidance strategies that minimize exposure to known triggers.

“A wide array of safe and effective medications may also be used to control allergy symptoms, including nasal steroid sprays and oral/nasal antihistamines,” says Dr. Jourdy, who is also Co-Director of the New York Sinus Institute. “New evidence shows that a combination of topical medications may provide increased symptom relief. Your doctor can work with you to tailor a medical therapy to your specific symptoms.”

According to Michael Kortbus, MD, FACS, Health Alliance Hudson Valley, “Immunotherapy treats the cause of an allergy by giving small doses of what a person is allergic to in the form of drops under the tongue. The doses end up increasing the person’s immunity to the allergen. It’s very safe, for children and adults. We recommend patients use the drops for three to five years, giving the body time to build up a lasting immunity.”

www.westchestermedicalcenter.com/AllergyRheumatologyandImmunologyServices