What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis develops when our immune system becomes sensitive and reacts excessively to something in the environment (allergens). It is a very common condition, found in two forms:
Seasonal rhinitis:
The symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis can appear in spring, summer and early autumn. They are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to aerial mold spores or pollen from grass, trees and weeds.
Perennial rhinitis:
People with perennial allergic rhinitis have symptoms throughout the year. Generally, this type of rhinitis is caused by dust mites, animal hair, beetles or mold.
Some people may experience both types of rhinitis, with permanent symptoms worsening during specific pollen seasons.
Allergic rhinitis is sometimes called "hay fever", especially when it is caused by seasonal allergens. Although it has symptoms similar to those of a cold, allergic rhinitis is not caused by a virus or bacteria, but appears as a reaction of the immune system to certain allergenic factors.
What are the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis usually causes symptoms similar to those of the cold and flu, such as:
- Stuffy nose
- Aqueous nasal secretions
- Itching of the eyes, mouth or skin
- Swollen eyelids
- Sneeze
- Fatigue
These symptoms usually begin shortly atfer exposure to allergens.
Most people with allergic rhinitis have symptoms that can be treated easily and effectively. But for some persons, the symptoms can be severe and persistent, causing sleep problems, affecting daily life.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis occasionally improve over time, but this can take many years and the condition is unlikely to go away completely.
How do we treat allergic rhinitis?
Many allergens that trigger this type of rhinitis are transported in the air, so you can't always avoid them. If your symptoms cannot be well controlled by simply avoiding the triggering factors, your doctor may recommend medicines that reduce nasal congestion, sneezing, itching and runny nose.
You can treat allergic rhinitis in several ways. These include medicines or alternative remedies. Talk to your doctor before trying any new treatment for allergic rhinitis.
A handy solution would be to treat the symptoms by using decongestants in spray form, but for a short period of time, usually no more than three days, to relieve a stuffy nose and sinus pressure.
Why nasal decongestants in spray form?
- It is an optimal solution in reducing nasal congestion.
- Decongestant nasal sprays work in minutes, and the effect lasts for hours.
- If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, consult your doctor before using them.
Complications of rhinitis.
Unfortunately, allergic rhinitis itself cannot be prevented. Treatment and management are the key to obtaining a good quality of life with allergies. There are even cases where allergic rhinitis can lead to complications such as:
- nasal polyps - abnormal but un-cancerous (benign) sacs of fluid that grow inside the nasal passages and sinuses
- sinusitis - an infection caused by nasal inflammation that prevents mucus from leaking out
- middle ear infections - infection of a part of the ear located directly behind the eardrum
These problems can often be treated with medication, although sometimes in severe or long-term cases surgery is required.
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