What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever or nasal allergies. By definition, allergic rhinitis is swelling of the nasal passages caused by an allergen. It is important to note that while many people refer to it as hay fever, it is not caused by hay fever. Also does not cause fever. Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergies. You have an allergy when your body overreacts to something that doesn’t cause problems for most people. These are called allergens.
There are 2 types of allergic rhinitis:
- Seasonal (hay fever):Due to allergies to pollen and/or airborne mold spores. Pollen is a fine powder that comes from flowering plants. It can be carried in the air and is easily inhaled. Symptoms are seasonal and usually occur in spring, late summer, and fall. This is the most common form of allergy.
- Perennial:Caused by other allergens such as dust mites, pet dander or dander, or mold. Symptoms occur year round.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Your symptoms may vary, depending on the severity of your allergy. Symptoms may include:
- Sneezing
- a cough
- Itching (mainly eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin)
- Snivel
- Stuffy nose
- Headache
- Pressure in the nose and cheeks
- Ears are full and pop out
- Sore throat
- Watery, red, or swollen eyes
- Dark circles under your eyes
- Hard to smell
Allergic rhinitis can last several weeks, longer than a cold or flu. It does not cause fever. Nasal discharge is thin, watery and clear. Nasal discharge from a cold or flu tends to be thicker. Itching (mainly in the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and skin) is common with hay fever but is not caused by a cold or flu. Sneezing occurs more with hay fever. You may even have a violent sneeze.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
If you have an allergy, your body releases chemicals when you come into contact with the allergen. One such chemical is called histamine. Histamine is a substance that protects your body against allergens. The release of histamine causes your symptoms.
Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen comes from flowering plants, grasses, and weeds. If you’re allergic to pollen, you’ll notice your symptoms are worse on hot, dry days when the wind carries the pollen. On rainy days, pollen is often swept to the ground, which means you’re less likely to inhale it. Your allergies may vary depending on the time of year:
- Allergies that occur in the spring (late April and May) are usually caused by tree pollen.
- Allergies that occur in the summer (late May to mid-July) are usually caused by grass pollen and weeds.
- Allergies that occur in the fall (late August to first frost) are usually caused by ragweed.
Allergens that can cause perennial allergic rhinitis include:
- Mold is common in places that tend to accumulate water, such as shower curtains and damp basements. It can also be found in rotting logs, hay and mulch. This allergy is often worse in wet and rainy weather.
- Animal fur. The skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs are allergens. You can come into contact with dander from contact with animals or from house dust containing dander.
- Many allergens, including dust mites, are present in dust. Dust mites are tiny creatures found in beds, mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture. They live on dead skin cells and other things found in house dust.
How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?
If your symptoms interfere with your daily life, see your GP. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. Documenting your symptoms for a period of time can help your doctor determine the cause of your allergies.
Your doctor may want to do an allergy skin test to determine what you are allergic to. A small amount of the allergen is applied to your skin. You will feel small stings that are usually painless. Your doctor will observe and record how your skin reacts to each allergen.
Your doctor may also decide to do a blood test, such as a radiosorbent test (RAST). This test identifies antibodies in your blood to determine what you are allergic to. Once the allergen is identified, you and your doctor can decide on the best treatment.
Can allergic rhinitis be prevented?
Allergic rhinitis cannot be prevented. You can help your symptoms by avoiding the things that trigger your symptoms.
- Close the window. This is especially important during high pollen season.
- Wash your hands after petting animals.
- Use bed sheets and mattresses that are dust- and tick-proof.
- Wear glasses outside to protect your eyes.
- Shower before bed to wash allergens from hair and skin.
You can also avoid things that can make your symptoms worse, such as:
- aerosol spray
- Air pollution
- cold temperature
- humidity
- unpleasant smoke
- cigarette smoke
- Wind
- Wood smoke
Treatment of allergic rhinitis
Several medications can be used to treat allergies. Nasal steroids are often the most effective treatment. Your doctor will help you determine which medication is best for you depending on your symptoms, age, and overall health. If you are pregnant, your doctor will advise you on which medications are safe for you to take. Some allergy symptoms during pregnancy are a natural part of pregnancy and not allergic rhinitis.
These medications help prevent symptoms if you take them regularly, before you come into contact with the allergen:
- Steroid nasal spraysReduces the response of nasal tissues to inhaled allergens. This helps reduce swelling in your nose so you feel less uncomfortable. They are most effective in treating patients with chronic symptoms. Many nasal steroids are available without a prescription. You won’t notice their benefits for up to 2 weeks after you start using them.
- AntihistaminesHelps relieve sneezing, runny nose, itching caused by allergies. They come in pill and nasal spray form. Many varieties are available over the counter. Some require a prescription.
- decongestant, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, temporarily relieve nasal congestion caused by allergies. Decongestants are found in many medications and come as pills, nasal sprays, and drops. They are best used only for a short time. Do not use nasal sprays and drops for more than 3 days because you can become dependent on them. This makes you feel even more stuck when trying to quit using them. You can buy decongestants without a prescription. However, they can raise your blood pressure. Talk to your GP before using them if you have high blood pressure.
- Leukotriene inhibitors is a prescription medication that helps block leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are another type of chemical that the body releases when it comes into contact with an allergen.
- sodium cromolynis a nasal spray that helps prevent the body’s response to allergens. This medicine may take 2 to 4 weeks to start working. It is available without a prescription.
- Eye drops. If your other medications aren’t enough to relieve your itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops for you. Some are available over the counter.
- Allergy shots or sublingual tablets(also called immunotherapy) is an option for people who have tried other treatments but still have allergy symptoms. These injections or dissolving tablets contain a very small amount of the allergen to which you are allergic. They are given on a regular schedule so that your body gets used to the allergens. This helps reduce your body’s sensitivity to allergens. Over time, your allergy symptoms will become less severe.
Living with Allergic Rhinitis
Living with allergic rhinitis symptoms can affect your daily life. Nasal symptoms may be worse when lying down. This can affect your ability to sleep well. Fatigue and headaches can affect your ability to function at school and at work.
There is also a link between asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. Therefore, good control of allergic rhinitis is important for maintaining good asthma control.
There are many medications and treatments that can help you manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor as soon as you feel your symptoms are getting worse or are not easy to control. Your doctor can help you come up with the right plan to manage your allergies so they don’t interfere with your ability to live a normal life.