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What Is The Cause And Treatment For Nasal Allergies?

Posted on Wed, 30 Jul 2014

Question: Hi, my name is XXXX. We live in XXXXXXX My father is 77 and he is fit and fine, only problem that he is suffering from over many years, and which aggravates during monsoon and winter, is allergic reactions to cold. He is so sensitive to cold that even opening a fridge door would cause him catch cold and he would start sneezing and coughing later in the day. He does regular exercise and maintains a disciplined and healthy diet. However his allergies refuse to go away and most of the time he would have cough (mucus) in his chest and throat. Sometimes it is accompanied by watery nose and occasional feverishness. He always had respiratory allergic problems but recently is has become more frequent than ever.

His Eosinophil level is higher than normal but not very high. Remaining CBC test results are within normal. Is it his IgE levels (not tested yet) which is causing him trouble coupled with his high Eosinophil level? What tests need to be performed to diagnose the root cause? Total IgE, Allergen specific IgE .... what else? He is suffering badly nowadays and he is so much healthy and strong relative to his age that his suffering due to allergy is really painful to see.

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Allergy control is very easy

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir ,

From the symptoms that you described it looks like your father is suffering from nasal allergies.

You have to see a doctor to confirm.

2 types of tests are avaialable for allergy diagnosis.
1) Skin tests.
2) Blood tests.

Skin tests are scratch test and intradermal test. Blood tests are ELISA and IgE levels. Skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests.

If indeed you father has allergies then the treatment is rather simple. He will need antihistamine and antileucotrine tablets and local steroid nasal spray. These drugs are perefctly safe and can be used for long peiods without side effects.

Do you want me to suggest an ENT specialist in XXXXXXX ?

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (51 minutes later)

Hello Doctor, thank you for your response. Do you think this is a case of allergic rhinitis or sinusitis?

And as recommended by you, are these the specific tests which will suffice?

1) Skin - scratch test
2) Skin - Intradermal test
3) Blood - ELISA
4) Blood - IgE levels (total IgE, or any other specific)

Are there further specific terminologies of these tests which need to be to told to the diagnostic lab?

Also, antihistamines were administered before but it has benefited him only in the short term. Once medication was stopped, soon allergic reactions would resurface.

So, what are the long term ways to control beforehand the allergic reactions, i.e. by reducing the IgE (if elevated) etc.? In other words what are the preventive measures which ensures the minimization of allergic response to cold, dust etc...

1) Lifestyle essentials.
2) Specific foods known to reduce allergic effects.
3) Medicines which has long-lasting effects

Thank you very much in anticipation.

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
do not go to lab directly

Detailed Answer:
HelloMrXXXX

I suggest you go to the laboratory only if necessary after consulting an ENT specialist.

I do not get allergy tests done routinely. The clinical picture is usually so clear that very rarely we require tests to confirm. Allergy tests are sometimes used to find the allergen (allergy causing substance). But it so happens that many times there is no use finding the allergen. Allergens are usually ubiquotous (found everwhere) like pollen which cannot be avoided, so there is no use getting a test done to determine which allergen is causing allergy when you cannot avoid it and it will not change the treatment plan. I believe that allergen finding tests should be done only when you are thinking of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a new treatment for allergy. It is claimed that it will completely cure allergy but I believe that it should be used only when all conventional methods of treatment are exhausted. Immunotherapy comes with side effcets and should be used sparingly.

Allergy can be very easily controlled by antihistamines and local steroid nasal sprays. You are right about antihistamines, they provide only temporary relief. For long term relief you have to use nasal sprays.

No preventive measures can be taken , no immunizations available for allergy.

Foods rarely cause nasal allergies, so no need for restriction. Pranayama and yoga if practised regularly help to control symptoms.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (21 minutes later)

Hello Doctor,

Thank you very much for your response and advise. It is clear.

Finally, can you please refer a very good ENT in Kolkata? And what antihistamine and nasal spray are best ? Should they be used ever after the allergy goes away?

Sorry one more thing. As I had mentioned, my father's allergy is not only nasal but also (most predominantly) in the throat and chest. Do you have the same advise about that?

Regards
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Dr Deepjoy XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXX,
You can consult Dr XXXX XXXXXXX in XXXXXXX Peerless Hospital
He is my friend and we studied together.
He is a good doctor and you can give him my reference.

I will not prescribe on the internet. It is unsafe and unwise to take prescriptions before consulting the doctor. Please see Dr XXXX XXXXXXX and he will guide you in every way.

For allergies of the chest you will also have to see a physician.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi

Note: For further information on diet changes to reduce allergy symptoms or to boost your immunity, Ask here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar