Suggest medication for dust allergies, leading to either blocked or runny nose
Patient: My wife has had constant problems with allergies or issues with dusty christmas decorations. She goes between having a stopped up nose or it is draining like a river. What over the counter meds should be considered? We have a humidifier in the room and run a air filter in the room where she is sitting/sleeping. Doctor: Hi,Looking at your wife's symptoms, she is probably suffering from Allergic rhinitis (Inflammation of nose due to Allergy). Common causes of allergic rhinitis include the allergens like fecal matter of the house dust-mite, animal proteins from domestic pets, and industrial dusts and fumes. It would be advisable to do Allergic test through which it would be possible to find out that which substances (Allergens) your wife is sensitive and causing symptoms.The management of allergic rhinitis consists mainly of (1) environmental control measures and allergen avoidance, (2) pharmacological management Environmental control measures and allergen avoidance involve both the avoidance of known allergens (substances to which your wife is found sensitive-which aggravates her symptoms) and avoidance of nonspecific, or irritant, triggers. For dust mites, covering the mattress and pillows with impermeable covers helps reduce exposure. Bed linens should be washed every 2 weeks in hot water to kill any mites present. Thorough and efficient vacuum cleaning of carpets and rugs can help. Dust mites thrive when indoor humidity is above 50%, so dehumidification, air conditioning, or both is helpful. Control measures for mold allergy focus on reduction of excessive humidity and removal of standing water. For animal allergy, complete avoidance is the best option.Exposure to smoke, strong perfumes and scents, fumes, rapid changes in temperature, and outdoor pollution can be nonspecific triggers in patients with allergic rhinitis. Consider avoidance of these situations or triggers if they seem to aggravate symptoms.She might find relief by taking following medicines:Steroid Nasal spray like Fluticasone propionate or Mometasone-helps against allergy and reduces inflammation, Oral Decongestant like Phenylephrine and Nasal decongestant drops like Xylometazoline - they help to decongest the nose and sinus cavity and helps in nasal blockage (if you are not suffering from Hypertension) Antihistaminic like Loratidine(Claritin) - helps against Allergy,Mucolytic - like Ambroxol - it will help in breaking to mucus secretions. Saline nasal spray-helps to moist the nasal cavity and removal of allergen particles from nose. Also do steam inhalation.Hope this answers your question. I would be happy to answer if you have any follow-up questions.Regards,Dr. Riddhi Shah