WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever is inflammation of the nasal membrane which is caused by a reaction of the immune system to the allergens present in the atmosphere such as dust, animal dander, or pollen. Sometimes allergy to certain food items can also be seen.

Allergic rhinitis is usually seen at the change of seasons as there is a lot of pollen in the atmosphere.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Seasonal (hay fever): symptoms are seasonal and are seen in spring, summer, and early winters. The allergens are pollens or molds. Pollen is a fine powder that comes from the stamen of flowering plants.

• Perennial: people having this type of allergy experience symptoms year-round. They are allergic to dust mites, pet hair,  animal dander, cockroaches, molds. Food allergies rarely cause rhinitis symptoms.

WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Pollens from grass, trees, and weeds
• Pet hair or dander
• Dust mites and mold
• Irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, and diesel exhaust
• Cold temperature
• The sudden change of temperature
• Air pollution and fumes

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Family history of allergic rhinitis
• Eczema
• Food allergies
• Asthma
• highly sanitized living conditions and reduced exposure to diverse allergens

Repeated exposure to

• Seed dust
• Wood dust
• Animal dander
• Textile dust
• Chemicals
• Rubber latex
• Certain foods and spices
• Storage mites
• Odors and fumes (such as smoking or air pollution)

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Sleep loss
• Daytime fatigue
• Learning impairment
• Decreased overall cognitive functioning
• Decreased long-term productivity
• Decreased quality of life
• Acute and chronic sinusitis
• Recurrence of nasal polyps
• Otitis media/otitis media with effusion
• Hearing impairment
• Abnormal craniofacial development
• Sleep apnea and related complications
• Aggravation of underlying asthma
• Increased propensity to develop asthma

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Allergic rhinitis is caused by the release of histamine when there is exposure to an allergen such as pollen. Histamine is a natural defense of the body to prevent from the allergens.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy nose, ears, or throat
• Sinus pressure
• Headache
• Sneezing
• Dark circles under your eyes—allergic shiners
• Postnasal drip
• Fatigue due to poor disturbed sleep
• Decreased sense of smell and taste
• Chronic cough
• Stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion
• Eczema

HOW TO DIAGNOSE A CASE OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Detailed history with appropriate symptoms
• Skin prick or scratch test: in this test tiny amount of possible allergen is pricked or scratched in the outer layer of skin and a small red bump shows positive results.
• Intradermal administration of allergen can show more reliable result.

HOW TO TREAT ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

The conventional treatment for allergic rhinitis includes antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, steroids, nasal steroid sprays, and even allergy shots, etc are given which do give temporary relief by suppressing the symptoms but have many side effects.

HOW TO MANAGE ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

• Advice on avoiding the allergen should be given so that the symptoms are not triggered firsthand.
• The patient should be advised to stay more indoors in peak season for pollens.
• Pollen masks should be advised.
• Wash hands and clean up after staying with the pets.
• Mopping should be done with wet mop directly as dry dusting and mopping would aggravate the symptoms.
• Dehumidifiers would help people allergic to damp conditions.
• Breathing exercises would help improve the symptoms.

HOW TO HOMEOPATHY CAN HELP WITH ALLERGIC RHINITIS?

Homeopathic medicines are very well known to help the issues related to allergies. Allergic rhinitis can be taken care of with homeopathic medicines permanently and without any side effects. There are many medicines that can give relief instantly. Since there are no side effects of the medicines anyone can take them and get relieved from the symptoms without any steroids.

DO's And DON'Ts

DO's

• Stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
• Take showers immediately after being outside.
• Keep your windows and doors shut as frequently as possible during allergy season.
• Keep your mouth and nose covered while performing yard work.
• Bathe your dog at least twice per week to minimize dander.
• Remove carpeting from your bedroom if you’re concerned about dust mites.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Keep yourself hydrated.

DON'Ts

• Avoid exercising outdoors early in the morning.
• Try not to rake leaves or mow the lawn.
• Don't rub your eyes.