One of the worst things about allergies is that the symptoms can be blatantly visible, like puffy eyes. Deciding to get used to it is a mistake most people with allergies make but what if there was a way to say goodbye to your constantly puffed up face? All you need is a little information.
What an eyesore
Allergy symptoms are kind of a personal experience and we tend to totally read them the wrong way. This happens a lot with puffy eyes.
Your eyes swell up because an allergen is airborne and has started to dissolve in your tears. This makes your eyes water (to get the allergen out) and swell (as a reaction to it). For some people they can get so swollen that they actually seal shut!
When it comes to relieving this kind of allergic reaction we tend to scratch or rub our eyes on instinct. This can be dangerous.
Rubbing too vigorously, especially if there’s something small already in the eye, can lead to some serious injury. You can tear your cornea or even detach your retina! So what do you do when your eye’s been blown up?
Instant gratification or careful planning
It’s no surprise that when we’re in pain, we want relief and we want it now. Looking in to long-term solutions might not bring down your puffy eyes and nose right now but it’ll pay off big time down the road.
Temporary but effective solutions to help you deal with puffy eyes include:
- Wiping with a clean wet cloth as gently as possible.
- Allergy eye drops will help bring down the burning sensation temporarily.
- Antihistamines and other over the counter allergy meds will help but again, you’ll have to take it frequently.
- Be conscious of the environment. If there’s a lot of pollen, dust, or pet dander you could simply avoid physically entering it but this isn’t always an option.
The common thread here is that they are only a quick fix. More definitive measures are the way to go and include:
- Allergy shots: This slow and steady form of immunotherapy treatment does what the word implies – helps you get immune.
- Sublingual Immunotherapy: This newer option is a handy alternative to injections. You’re given drops to be dissolved under the tongue which contain tiny amounts of the allergen, making you slowly resistant to its effects.
These last two options are what’s going to make a difference but you can’t do it alone. Ear, nose and throat doctors specialize in helping people with sinuses and can perform tests which can help you narrow down what’s really causing your eyes and nose to get puffy.
Do You Need a Sinus Doctor to Help You See Again?
At Houston Sinus & Allergy, we see a variety of allergy issues that result in puffy eyes, as well as other stressful or painful situations, and we know how to provide long term relief.
If you’re experiencing difficulty in smelling or nasal breathing, Book an assessment with us, and let us help you breathe normally again.
