Self-Care Pocket Guide • Cold, Allergies, and Such
Respiratory Allergies

Overview

Respiratory allergies (hay fever, cedar fever, etc.) are caused by an over-reaction of the immune system to a stimulus or "trigger" that causes inflammation and/or swelling of the tissue of the nose, eyes, ears, sinuses, throat, larynx, and airways. Common triggers are pollens, dust, cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and animal dander. Although most respiratory allergies are just major annoyances, they can lead to serious symptoms in asthmatics, and they sometimes can cause the development of a secondary bacterial infection in your sinuses, ears, or lungs that may require antibiotics.

In asthma, inflammation and constriction of the airways can lead to wheezing, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, death. If you think you might have asthma, see a healthcare provider for evaluation.

Signs and Symptoms

• Runny, itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Itchy, swollen, burning eyes/eyelids and/or watery eyes
• A cough that is often dry or that produces minimal phlegm
• Ear congestion or popping (without significant pain)
• Sinus pressure or stuffiness
• Headache
• Hoarseness
• Post-nasal drainage and throat tickle
• Itchy palate (soft tissue at the upper, back part of your mouth)

Self-Care Measures

• Reduce triggers. Keep your home, especially the bedroom, as dust-free as possible. Bathe pets frequently; keep them off your bed and upholstered furniture. Close windows in your home and car. Limit time outdoors when pollen, molds, or other such triggers are high. Air purifiers receive mixed reviews, but may help.
• For itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose and/or post-nasal drip, take an OTC antihistamine.
• For inflamed, irritated eyes, use OTC eye drops. If drops contain a decongestant, don't use them for more than 4 consecutive days.

Red Flags

CALL THE UHS APPOINTMENTS LINE AT 471-4955 DURING REGULAR WORKING HOURS IF:

• In spite of using self-care measures, your allergy symptoms are ongoing and significantly interfere with your ability to work, study, or enjoy leisure activities. Prescription medication may be an option for you.

CALL THE UHS 24-HOUR NURSE ADVICE LINE 475-NURS (475-6877) IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:

• You have asthma, and allergies are causing even moderate asthma symptoms that don't respond to your current treatment.
• You've never been told you have asthma, but your chest feels "tight" and you develop difficulty breathing.
• You wheeze when you breathe.

• Unusual dark spots (much like bruises) of any size on your skin. This can be a sign of meningococcal disease which progresses rapidly, can be fatal, and requires immediate medical care.
• Severe breathing problems.