Nasal smears are rarely done during the evaluation of nasal allergies outside of research. To understand vasomotor rhinitis (VMR) otherwise known as non-allergic rhinitis it is worthwhile to first discuss allergic rhinitis. Nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, have two distinct clinical forms. One form is referred to as “hayfever” or seasonal allergic rhinitis, which occurs at a particular time or season of the year due to exposure to “pollens” or “allergens” such as grass and ragweed. This year round form is called perennial allergic rhinitis.

Each season brings with it specific allergens, and transitions between seasons are often when people have the hardest time with their allergies. During winter, indoor, rather than outdoor, allergies are usually an issue. As winter turns to spring, grass and tree pollens becomes more abundant, and spores begin being released by outdoor molds. When summer rolls around, grass pollen is problematic, and mold spores peak in warm regions.

• People with severe food allergies generally must avoid the foods in question and carry injectable epinephrine in case of accidental exposure.
• If an allergy diagnosis is confirmed, many therapies are available to eliminate or reduce symptoms.
• Other evidence of allergy frequently is present in the same individuals, such as asthma or eczema.

Antihistamines are often effective interventions to both prevent and manage the symptoms associated with allergies. Doctors also sometimes recommend using saline solution to clean the nose so as to rid air passages of allergens. In the winter, using dehumidifiers and allergen filters can help withindoor allergies, whereas avoiding problematic areas in the outdoors is often effective weather during spring, summer, and fall. However, specific medications are often useful for specific allergies, and those who suffer from severe allergies are often advised to carry an EpiPen in case of an emergency. Many allergy sufferers who do not have cold urticaria still feel as though they areallergic to the weatherbecause of the weather’s impact on their allergies.

Once this interaction takes place there is recruitment of other allergy cells into the site of the allergic reaction. These cells are a type of white blood cells called “eosinophils”. In the case of nasal allergies they can be found in the nasal cavity and secretions by looking at a nasal smear. This is done with a q-tip placed into the nose and a small sample or smear is taken to be looked at under the microscope.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO WHAT WEATHER BRINGS

Other evidence of allergy frequently is present in the same individuals, such as asthma or eczema. If an allergy diagnosis is confirmed, many therapies are available to eliminate or reduce symptoms. People with severe food allergies generally must avoid the foods in question and carry injectable epinephrine in case of accidental exposure. Your doctor can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.