After many years of trips to the doctor, I told myself something has got to give.

I get sick all year long. Certain seasons are worse than others. 

I started taking Claritin as a kid to prevent allergies. As I grew older, it stopped working for me. 

It started out with an antihistamine to dry everything up in my nasal passages, then to antibiotics. 

Before I knew it, I was taking up to 4 antibiotics back to back to relieve my sickness. Your body was not meant to take many medicines so symptoms arise. 

You may start to feel worse, have an allergic reaction (rash or swelling), experience constipation, etc. 

I asked my doctor why I was sick all year long. 

I was given many answers over the years. 

Finally I went to an  ENT (otolaryngologist). 

This doctor is amazing and sees my children, too.

Since then, I have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis. 

Antibiotics couldn’t treat my symptoms because there was no infection.

Allergic rhinitis is commonly known as seasonal allergies, or hay fever. 

When you inhale an allergen, your body has an allergic reaction. The symptoms include itchy, runny and stuffy nose, watery eyes, sore throat and headaches. 

You may also experience peeling skin inside or on the outer part of your ear. This is a sign of flare up from allergens. 

How do I know this? From experience. 

These symptoms often appear within minutes after exposure. 

This can affect your sleep and ability to work and concentrate. 

Scientists are studying how allergic rhinitis may be influenced by your genes.

I have been antibiotic free for about 6 months now.

I am taking other medicines but can tell a difference. 

Pay attention to what is happening to your body.

You may need to see an otolaryngologist, too.