Allergic rhinitis is swelling of the nose lining caused by allergy to dust, pollen, pets or moulds, giving sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy eyes. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, causing facial pain, blocked nose and thick discharge. Both often go together with asthma and long cough, so treating the nose and lungs together works better. Dr A. Ashok Kumar treats allergies and sinus problems in Chittoor.
Common symptoms of allergy & sinusitis
- Repeated sneezing, especially mornings
- Runny or blocked nose
- Itchy eyes, nose or throat
- Facial pain or heaviness
- Post-nasal drip and cough
Get urgent care if you have
- Swelling around the eyes with fever
- Severe headache with high fever
- Allergy with breathing difficulty or lip swelling
Emergency? Call 093448 53689 or 108, or go to the nearest hospital.
Causes and risk factors
House dust mites, pollen, pet dander, moulds, smoke and strong smells; sinusitis often follows a cold.
Tests that help
Pulmonary function test (PFT) / spirometry
You blow hard into a tube while a machine measures how much air your lungs hold and how fast you can push it out. It confirms asthma or COPD, shows how severe it is and tracks whether treatment is working. Where needed, lung volumes and DLCO (how well oxygen passes into the blood) are also measured.
Chest X-ray and HRCT chest
Pictures of the lungs. A high-resolution CT (HRCT) shows fine detail and is important for ILD, bronchiectasis, unexplained cough and lung spots. Dr Ashok arranges the right scan and explains the report with you.
How Dr Ashok manages it
- Identifying triggers
- Nasal sprays and anti-allergy treatment used correctly
- Saline nasal rinses
- Checking for and treating linked asthma
- Treatment of sinus infection when present
Living well
- Wash bedsheets weekly in hot water
- Keep pets out of the bedroom
- Use a mask while cleaning
- Avoid smoke and incense
Questions patients ask
Can nasal allergy lead to asthma?
Allergic rhinitis and asthma often occur together, and poorly controlled nasal allergy can make asthma worse. Treating both helps.
Are nasal sprays safe to use long term?
Medicated anti-allergy nasal sprays prescribed by a doctor are designed for regular use. Decongestant drops should only be used for a few days.