Allergic Rhinitis Treatment in Corpus Christi, TX
Allergic rhinitis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa triggered by exposure to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and cockroach antigens. It affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of U.S. adults and up to 40 percent of children. In the Corpus Christi and South Texas region, warm temperatures and diverse vegetation create a year-round allergy season. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss offers comprehensive allergy evaluation and treatment including disease-modifying immunotherapy.
Types of Allergic Rhinitis
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Triggered by outdoor allergens with defined pollination seasons. In South Texas, mountain cedar (Ashe juniper) is a particularly potent allergen, with high pollen counts from November through February. Oak pollens peak in spring, grasses in late spring and early summer, and ragweed in late summer and fall.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
Caused by year-round indoor allergens including house dust mites, cockroach antigens, pet dander, and indoor mold. Patients experience symptoms continuously or with only minor seasonal variation.
Symptoms
- Nasal congestion and obstruction
- Clear, watery rhinorrhea (runny nose)
- Paroxysmal sneezing, particularly upon waking
- Nasal, palatal, and ocular pruritus (itching)
- Red, watery, itchy eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Postnasal drip and throat clearing
- Reduced sense of smell
- Fatigue and sleep disruption
- Allergic shiners: dark circles under the eyes from chronic venous congestion
Diagnosis
Confirmed by allergy testing. Skin prick testing in which small amounts of standardized allergen extracts are introduced into the skin is the most sensitive and specific method for identifying IgE-mediated sensitization. Our allergen panel is tailored to the South Texas region.
Treatment
Environmental Control
Reducing allergen exposure is the first step. Measures vary by allergen: allergen-impermeable mattress covers for dust mites, monitoring pollen counts for outdoor allergens, and HEPA air filtration for pet dander.
Pharmacotherapy
First-line agents include intranasal corticosteroid sprays (the most effective single agent for nasal symptoms), second-generation oral antihistamines, and intranasal antihistamines. Topical eye drops address allergic conjunctivitis.
Allergen Immunotherapy
Allergen immunotherapy is the only disease-modifying treatment for allergic rhinitis. It induces desensitization and shifts the immune response away from the allergic phenotype, providing durable benefit after treatment is completed. Subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) and sublingual immunotherapy (drops) are both available at our practice.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes are disrupting your days, lasting relief is within reach. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule an allergy evaluation.