SW Arizona News

Arizona Breathe Free Physician Assistant Diana Ruiloba and Dr. John Stewart say there are multiple ways to combat uneasy breathing in dry climates like Arizona and during allergy season.

Dry air can cause symptoms like nose bleeds, dry eyes, irritated skin, asthma attacks, dehydration and sinusitis, according to Healthline. These symptoms are very similar to allergy symptoms and can be tested for with two different procedures, Stewart said. 

"Allergies can be a constant struggle, especially out here in the Arizona desert and mountains. We offer two types of testing here. Blood tests, known as RAST, and a skin scratch test. With the scratch test you get instant results, and a treatment plan can be coordinated immediately based on your individual test results," Stewart told SW Arizona News. 

Diana Ruiloba | Arizona Breathe Free

Ruiloba said that allergies can show up in multiple ways, with many of the symptoms mirroring that of dry climate irritation, also making it possible for both to be treated in many of the same ways. 

"Allergies can present themselves in various forms, such as runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, watery eyes, sneezing, etc. If allergies are not addressed and managed appropriately, this may lead to sinus disease or may be amplifying the sinus disease already present," Ruiloba told SW Arizona News. "Allergy drops are immunotherapy that addresses allergies in an individualized manner. They are a great alternative to allergy shots while providing the same efficacy. Like allergy shots, it is imperative to be consistent/compliant with treatment. The convenience that allergy drops offer is that they may be self-administered. This allows you to take them with you anywhere you may like to travel to while still being consistent with the treatment."

Other suggestions to help with breathing problems, when dealing with the dry Arizona climate, are to keep hydrated, use a nasal spray, take short, cold showers and use a humidifier when inside the home to put more moisture into the air, according to the Cleveland Clinic. 

Issues concerning the sinuses and symptoms lasting more than three months can be a sign of a bigger problem like sinusitis, chronic sinusitis, bronchial infection and other respiratory ailments, Healthline said. 

If symptoms and issues persist for more than three months, it could be time to see a doctor. 

If a patient believes they are having sinus issues, a quiz provided by Arizona Breathe Free can help to determine possible causes and whether it's time to see a health care provider to address the problem. 

The quiz is available on the Arizona Breathe Free website. Contact information to schedule an appointment and online scheduling are also available on the website.