Do I Really Need to Treat My Allergic Rhinitis?

By Alpro Pharmacy

September 7, 2024

Key Points:

Ignoring symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes can lead to chronic inflammation and bigger health issues like sinus infections and nasal polyps.
If left unmanaged, it can lead to sinus problems, ear infections, asthma flare-ups, and even disturbed sleep, increasing the risk of heart issues like high blood pressure and strokes.
Over-the-counter medications, antihistamines, and nasal sprays can help control symptoms. Consulting a pharmacist for personalized treatment is key to preventing complications.

You’ve been sneezing, your nose is constantly running, and your eyes itch like crazy. You might be thinking, “It’s just allergies, right? My immune system will toughen up and handle it eventually.” But here’s the truth: allergic rhinitis is more than just a seasonal nuisance. Ignoring it might actually lead to bigger problems down the road, making treatment more important than you might think.

It Won’t Just Go Away – Here’s Why

Many people believe that if they just push through the symptoms, their immune system will eventually take care of it. The reality? Allergic rhinitis doesn’t just “go away” on its own. When you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances, like pollen or dust, as threats. In response, your body releases chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes, which inflame the lining of your nasal passages, sinuses, and even your eyelids (1).

This immune overreaction triggers symptoms such as:

A stuffy or runny nose
Sneezing
Coughing
Itchy, watery eyes
Itchy mouth, throat, or ears
Postnasal drip
Dark circles under your eyes (often called “allergic shiners”)

These symptoms are your body’s way of trying to trap and expel the allergens, but without treatment, this inflammation can become chronic. And that’s when things get tricky—it’s no longer just about sneezing; you could start dealing with recurring sinus infections, nasal polyps, and those dreaded headaches (2).

What Happens If You Don’t Treat It?

Leaving allergic rhinitis untreated is like knocking over the first tile in a line of dominoes—one thing leads to another, and before you know it, your health is tumbling. Here’s what can happen:

Sinus Problems: Chronic congestion can block your sinuses, leading to sinus infections that may become a regular, painful occurrence (3).
Ear Infections: The inflammation can also affect your ears, causing painful ear infections or even hearing loss (4).
Asthma Flare-ups: If you have asthma, allergic rhinitis can make breathing even more challenging, potentially triggering asthma attacks (5).
Disturbed Sleep: Chronic nasal congestion can make you snore or even develop sleep apnea, a condition where your breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can leave you feeling groggy and irritable the next day due to poor sleep quality (6).

Wait, Could It Affect My Heart?

Yes—believe it or not, untreated allergic rhinitis could have a significant impact on your heart health. It can contribute to obstructive sleep apnea, which is linked to increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even strokes (7). Your heart already works hard enough—don’t make it deal with unnecessary complications from untreated hay fever.

So, What Can I Do?

The good news? Allergic rhinitis is entirely manageable. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines and nasal sprays, can provide relief. If you need something more personalized, your pharmacist can recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs. With the right treatment, you can keep symptoms under control and prevent those unpleasant complications from ever surfacing.

If you’re suffering from these all-too-familiar symptoms, don’t just brush them off. Talk to our pharmacists and healthcare professionals today—they can help you find the right treatment to get back to feeling your best.

Explore Free E-Pharmacy Services

Consult our healthcare professionals on Alpro E-Pharmacy if you have any health-related concerns. Alpro E-Pharmacy is specially designed to bring convenience to everyone including those who wish to get 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 or 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 without stepping out from their comfortable home or even hotel. You can even send medications to your loved ones without hassle! Our pharmacists are always ready to assist.

If you need any further help, you are always welcome to use Alpro E-Pharmacy service on Whatsapp or call our hotline 019-7021923

Disclaimer: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your qualified health professional.

Reference

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Allergic reactions. Available from: https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergic-reactions
American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Rhinitis (allergic and non-allergic). Available from: https://www.entnet.org/resource/rhinitis-allergic-and-non-allergic/
Mayo Clinic. Chronic sinusitis. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-sinusitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351661
National Institutes of Health. Otitis media and middle ear effusion. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544289/
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Allergic rhinitis. Available from: https://www.aafa.org/allergic-rhinitis/
American Thoracic Society. Sleep apnea. Available from: https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/sleep-apnea.pdf
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Sleep apnea. Available from: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-apnea