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ALLERGIC RHINITIS

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ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis is a type of inflammation in the nasal lining that occur as a result of the overreaction of the immune system to an allergen in the air.

  • An allergen is a harmless substance that causes an allergic
  • This allergic reaction mimics a chronic cold.
  • Almost 8% of adults in the United State suffer allergic reaction of some kind and about 10%-30% of the world’s population also experience allergic rhinitis.
  • There are two types of allergic rhinitis: Seasonal and perennial.
  • Seasonal allergic rhinitis most often occurs as a result of pollen carried in the air during different times of the year (especially fall and spring season) in different countries.
  • Tree and flower pollens are usually largely produced in spring.
  • Grasses and weeds release more pollen in fall.
  • Perennial allergic rhinitis may be all year round or can appear at any time of the year. This may be as a result of indoor substances like dust, urine, pet dander, mold, or cockroach particles.
  • People suffering from asthma are at more risk of experiencing allergic rhinitis
  • Asthma symptoms worsen with allergic rhinitis.
  • Some nonallergic causes of allergic rhinitis may include cigarette smoke, perfume, or other strong odors

CAUSES

  • In other to defend itself when in contact with an allergen, the immune system releases histamine and chemical mediators, this can cause the mucous membrane ( the internal layer of the nose) to become inflame and produce excess mucus. This is what causes the allergic rhinitis symptoms that include a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
  • History of allergen in the family can also increase chances of having allergic rhinitis.
  • A child that is exposed to dust mite at a young age or smoking is also likely to suffer from allergic rhinitis.
  • Some common allergens that cause allergic rhinitis include:
  • Dust mite: They are small insects that live off the dead flakes on human skin. They are present on the beds, pillows, carpets and mostly during winter. The chemical found in their excrement is what causes allergic rhinitis.
  • Animals: The allergic reaction caused by an animal is caused by flakes of dead animal skins, their urine, and saliva.
  • Pollen from trees, flowers, grasses, and weeds.
  • Irritants such as perfume, cigarette smoke

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Sneezing
  • A runny nose
  • Frequent headaches
  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy eyes, throat, nose
  • A stuffy nose
  • Coughing
  • Hives
  • Having an extremely dry and itchy skin that can blister
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Fatigue

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

DIAGNOSIS
  • A particular type of specialist trained to handle allergic reactions and determine its underlying cause is the allergist or immunologist.
  • The allergist will take a thorough study of your medical history and carry out some other allergic test.
  • In order to determine the type of treatment and prevention plan for you, the physician may need to carry out such test like:
  • A radioallergosorbent test (RAST): This is a type of blood test that is carried out to detect allergen-specific immunoglobulin E in the blood- to determine the substance a patient is allergic to.
  • Skin Prick Test: In this method, the doctor places series of substance on your body to see how your body reacts to each one of them. A small red bump shows if you are allergic to a substance. This is the most common method of diagnosis.

TREATMENT

There are several ways of treating allergic rhinitis. Make sure to conduct your physician before any treatment method is implemented. Some of the treatment include:

  • Antihistamine drugs that stop the body from releasing histamine can be taken. There are some popular over-the-counter antihistamines, and they include loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine etc.
  • Eye drop and nasal spray can help reduce itchiness
  • Immunotherapy or allergy shots may be recommended in a case of several allergies. The allergy shots help provide long-term relief for people suffering from allergic rhinitis
  • Another type of immunotherapy which was recently approved in the United States and can be administered is the Subliminal Immunotherapy (SLIT). It works similar to allergen shots but without an injection as it involves placing a tablet under your mouth.

PREVENTION

  • Wash hand thoroughly after petting animal
  • To limit access to dust mite, mite-proof bedding covers are highly recommended
  • During high pollen period, windows must be closed
  • To keep pollen out of your eyes when outdoors, wear sunglasses.