Perhaps one of the most irritating medical symptoms is a runny nose. Constant rubbing, blowing, chaffing of the nose, due to chronic rhinitis, can be treated without the use of medications. The two types of allergy symptoms arise from three causes. The first source of allergies can result from exposure to common and well known triggers. These include dust mites, cockroaches, dog dander, cat dander, trees, weeds, grasses, and molds. These are found plentiful in the outdoors and can concentrate indoors, particularly in the carpet and duct work of a home. The second source of triggers are actually nonallergic sources of rhinitis. These include cigarette smoke, air pollution, perfume, temperature change, alcohol, and infection. They produce all the same symptoms except fail to produce a specific antibody response.
The good news is, that one simple blood test can differentiate between the two. Once we know, simple and effective solutions are offered which can eliminate symptoms permanently. The third cause which must be considered often includes reactions to common foods. Individuals can become allergic and respond with rhinitis due to the consumption of IgG allergy responding foods. These reactions, although occurring in the gastrointestinal tract, produces rhinitis symptoms distally in the sinuses and nasopharynx. Elimination of this allergy symptom requires avoidance of the offending food(s). These offending foods can also be determined through allergy testing for discovery and elimination from the diet. The treatment and elimination of allergy response in chronic rhinitis can be extremely successful when we have the right information and tools.
One of the tools we have been using in our clinic, with positive response, is SeroSLIT or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT is a convenient home-based treatment for asthma and allergic diseases-without shots. SLIT works by delivering a precise, measured dose of the substances that trigger allergic reactions (allergens) to stimulate your immune system – but not enough to cause a full-blown allergic reaction. Allergen extracts are placed under the tongue and affect the immune system through specialized cells that are found under the tongue. The dose of allergens is gradually increased over time. This helps the body’s immune system build up a tolerance to the allergens, which can reduce and/or eliminate your allergy symptoms over time. The mixture and concentration of allergen extracts in each prescription is determined by the ordering physician. SLIT may be a good treatment choice for rhinitis, asthma, and other allergic diseases if:
Allergy medications do not provide adequate relief
Allergic triggers are difficult to avoid
Allergy medications cause intolerable side effects or interactions with other medications you need to take
You are concerned about the long-term use and effects of medication
SLIT is not recommended for pregnant women, severe uncontrolled asthma, certain heart or lung problems, or if you take a beta blocker for heart problems. “
