Crystal Lake Allergist explains the symptoms and treatment of a dust allergy for patients in Elgin area

Crystal Lake Allergist explains the symptoms and treatment of a dust allergy for patients in Elgin area

Allergic rhinitis is a medical term for the inflammation of the nasal passages due to an allergen. It affects about 20 percent of Americans and is one the most common illnesses in the United States. While symptoms of allergic rhinitis can occur at any age, they occur most often before the age of 30. Allergic rhinitis can be restrictive for patients and have a major impact on daily activities.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually affect the eyes and nose. The allergy may be seasonal (caused by changes in the grass, weed, mold, and pollen) or it may be year-round, as is the case with those caused by dust mites, pet dander, and mold.

What are dust mite allergies?

Patients with a dust mite allergy are allergic to the small, microscopic bugs that are found in household dust. Symptoms may include itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, nasal congestion, coughing and sneezing along with some of the signs of asthma including difficulty breathing and wheezing.

The severity of dust mite allergies can range from mild (occasional runny nose and sneezing) to severe (chronic cough, congestion, and sneezing, or severe asthma). Because these symptoms mimic a common cold, it can be hard to know if there is a true allergy. If symptoms are present for over a week, patients should visit an allergist for an evaluation.

Treating dust mite allergies

The most important step in treating a dust mite allergy is reducing exposure. The less exposure, the fewer and less severe the symptoms. Since it’s impossible to completely avoid dust, certain medications can minimize symptoms. Some of the most common include antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants.

If you are in the Elgin or Crystal Lake areas, please contact us at (847) 888-8802 to learn more about the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Share this Article


Back to Allergy Treatment Page

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates, logo

Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.