Nasal Irritation

Nasal Irritation Overview

Your nose is the first part of the body that detects seasonal changes if you suffer from seasonal allergies. Nasal irritation is a very common symptom of allergy rhinitis or hay fever that is triggered by an outdoor allergen, most probable pollen from various trees, plants, weeds, etc. The word ‘Rhinitis’ actually means ‘nose inflammation.’ The nose contains a fluid called mucus. This fluid is usually thin and transparent. It helps shield the lungs from dust, waste, and allergens. Mucus traps pollutants such as pollen, dust, dander, and bacteria as well as viruses.

Normally, mucus drains down the back of the throat unnoticed. When allergens trigger inflammation, the nose makes more mucus, which in allergies is usually thin and clear (ACAAI). It can run from the front of the nose or drip down the back of the throat (postnasal drip), irritating the throat and causing a cough.

Symptoms

As soon as an allergen triggers an individual, he would show the following rhinitis symptoms that include:

• Itching and uneasiness in the eyes and nose
• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose (congestion)
• Runny nose, watery eyes
• Reduced sense of smell
• Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip)

Symptoms that may develop after a few days:

• Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
• Coughing
• Blocked ears and decreased sense of smell
• Sore throat
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Puffiness or swelling under the eyes
• Fatigue and irritability
• Headache

Allergies can also trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing in people with asthma, and are linked with conditions such as eczema, nasal polyps and sinusitis.

Causes

When pollen contacts the nose of a sensitive person, the immune system overreacts. Antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals, which cause swelling, itching and extra mucus. Symptoms can continue for as long as you are exposed to the allergen.

Some of the common allergens that cause nasal irritation due to seasonal allergies are:

1. Birch pollen: This pollen is a common allergen in the spring and may cause nasal irritation in people allergic to it.
2. Oak pollen: Oaktree also send pollen in the air in spring
3. Grass pollen: Grass pollen is common in the summer months. 
4. Ragweed pollen: the most common weed allergen, most active from late summer into fall (ACAAI).

How to Differentiate Seasonal Nasal Irritation from Common Cold

You would have noticed that the symptoms of seasonal nasal allergies or allergy rhinitis are the same as that of a common cold, so how would you likely differentiate between the two? The signs noticeable for Allergy Rhinitis are:

• You would notice the symptoms during the pollen seasons.
• You usually have the same symptoms at the same time of the year.
• Allergy symptoms last as long as you’re exposed to the allergen, while a cold usually passes in about a week (ACAAI).
• Itchy, watery eyes are common with allergies and less common with colds.
• Colds can cause a low fever, aches and thicker mucus. Allergies don’t cause fever.
• Coughing can occur with both, often from postnasal drip.

Treating Nasal Irritation At Home

Seasonal allergies can sometimes be unavoidable and cause various discomforts, but some minor symptoms can be treated at home:

• Nasal irrigation: rinsing with saline can thin mucus and flush out allergens. Use only distilled, sterile or previously boiled and cooled water, never untreated tap water (FDA).
• Warm, moist air: breathing steam from a hot shower may ease congestion for a while. Don’t lean over a pot of boiling water, which can cause serious burns.
• Herbal remedies such as stinging nettle are sometimes used, but evidence for most herbal remedies is limited, and some, such as butterbur, raise safety concerns (NCCIH). Talk to your doctor before trying supplements.

A healthy diet supports overall health, but no specific diet or vitamin has been proven to prevent allergy symptoms.

Medical Treatment

One of the safest ways is to eliminate contact with nasal irritants (allergens). Try using over-the-counter or prescribed medications if complete avoidance is not satisfactory or possible:

1. Antihistamines, taken by mouth or as a nasal spray, relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose but help less with congestion (ACAAI).
2. Decongestants shrink swollen nasal tissue to relieve stuffiness. Don’t use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days (MedlinePlus).
3. Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation and are among the most effective treatments for allergic rhinitis. Side effects such as nasal dryness or nosebleeds are usually mild (MedlinePlus).
4. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray prevents the release of histamine and works best when started before allergy season. It is usually used several times a day; follow the label.
5. Immunotherapy: if medicines and avoidance aren’t enough, allergy shots or tablets can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over 3 to 5 years and may give lasting relief (Mayo Clinic).

Conclusion

Nasal irritation is the foremost symptom of seasonal allergies, and the best way to avoid it is to limit exposure to allergens. However, complete evasion can be difficult. It can be treated at home as you see the early symptoms, while using saline water treatment to reduce inflammation and eliminate allergens in the nasal cavity. For severe symptoms, follow over the counter medicines or medical treatments.

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Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (November 20, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Nasal Allergy FAQs

Is yellow mucus a sign of allergies?

Allergy mucus is usually thin and clear; thick or discolored mucus is more common with colds or sinus infections (ACAAI).

Is a neti pot safe?

Yes, if you use distilled, sterile or boiled and cooled water and clean the device (FDA).

How long can I use a decongestant spray?

No more than 3 days, to avoid rebound congestion (MedlinePlus).

What’s the most effective treatment for a stuffy nose from allergies?

Nasal steroid sprays are among the most effective (MedlinePlus).

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