It's big and little people with rhinitis - inflamed congested nasal passages due to allergies!

When symptoms happen with seasonal changes, look for pollen, mold, and other outdoor air quality triggers. However, when symptoms linger all year round (like a cold that won't go away), look to your home, work, and school environment for possible allergens and irritants.

Chronic nasal symptoms can lead to sinusitis, inflammation, and congestion in the sinus cavities. Controlling symptoms in the upper respiratory system (nose and sinuses) often improves or eliminates lower airway problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

Fight nasal allergy symptoms strategically. First, get relief. See a physician who can prescribe the most appropriate medication for you. Many nasal allergy medications are applied topically inside the nose - nasal corticosteroids, nasal anti-allergy medicines, and saline washes or sprays. Topical medications are non-sedating and go directly to the site of the inflammation without first circulating through your blood stream as with oral medications.

When using an oral medication, read the label carefully. Some medications cannot be used while operating a car or machinery because they cause drowsiness. Ask your physician about non-sedating forms of oral antihistamines.