Millions of people around the world suffer from allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. As a result of an overreaction of the immune system to certain substances in the environment, including pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold and insect venom, this condition occurs. Inflammation and irritation of the nose and other parts of the body are caused by these substances called allergens, which trigger the release of histamine.
In allergic rhinitis, there are two types: seasonal and perennial. When pollen levels are high during certain times of the year, seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs. Usually, people with permanent allergic rhinitis live in temperate climates and near trees or grasses. During times of year when indoor allergens are abundant, perennial allergic rhinitis occurs. Typically, it affects people who live in warm or humid climates and have pets or dust mites in their homes.
Some factors that can increase the risk of developing allergic rhinitis include:
Having a family history of allergies
Having asthma or eczema
Being exposed to allergens at work or school
Traveling to different regions where allergens are prevalent
Having a weakened immune system due to certain diseases or medications
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Itchy nose
Itchy and watery eyes
Sore throat
Coughing
Headaches
Fatigue
It usually takes a few minutes or hours for symptoms to appear after exposure to an allergen, and they can last for a few hours or days. There may also be more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, or anaphylaxis.
In order to diagnose allergic rhinitis, a physician will examine your medical history, perform a physical examination, and conduct laboratory tests. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, how often they occur and what triggers them. They will also look for signs of inflammation, such as redness, swelling or discharge, in your nose.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may perform one or more of the following tests:
The most common allergens tested are pollen from grasses (grass), trees (tree) and weeds (weed). Skin prick tests involve placing small amounts of different allergens on your skin to observe how your body responds. An allergen-dipped needle is used to prick your skin. You will then be examined under a microscope for 15 minutes to see if you develop redness or swelling near the site where your hand was pricked.
A serum tryptase test measures the amount of tryptase in your blood. Tryptase is an enzyme released by mast cells when they are activated by allergens. An elevated level of tryptase indicates anaphylaxis.
A nasal cytology test involves taking a sample from your nose using a swab or a suction device. Afterward, the sample is examined under a microscope for signs of inflammation such as eosinophils (white blood cells) and neutrophils (white blood cells). Your body produces these cells when it is allergic to something.
A variety of treatments are available for allergic rhinitis, depending on the severity and type of your condition. The main goals of treatment are to relieve your symptoms, prevent future reactions, and improve your quality of life.
There are two main types of medications used to treat allergic rhinitis: antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids.
Antihistamines: It can help reduce sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes caused by allergies. Antihistamines can be taken orally (by mouth) as pills or liquids or applied topically (to the skin).
Some examples of antihistamines are:
Loratadine (Claritin): Blocks histamine receptors in brain
Cetirizine (Zyrtec): Blocks histamine receptors in brain
Fexofenadine (Allegra): Blocks histamine receptors in brain
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Blocks histamine receptors in brain and causes drowsiness
However, antihistamines can cause side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, nausea, or dizziness. You should consult your doctor before taking any antihistamines, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies. They may also interact with other medications or supplements you are taking.
Nasal Corticosteroids: Inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages can be relieved with nasal corticosteroids, which can be taken by mouth as pills or liquids or applied topically (on the skin) as sprays or drops. They can help relieve nasal congestion, runny noses, sneezing and itching caused by allergies.
The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid or minimize exposure to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Some general tips for prevention are:
Check the pollen count and air quality index before going outside and plan your activities accordingly.
Wear a mask or sunglasses when outdoors, especially during high-pollen seasons.
Keep your windows and doors closed or use an air conditioner with a HEPA filter to reduce indoor allergens.
Wash your bedding, curtains, carpets and other fabrics regularly in hot water and dry them in a hot dryer.
Vacuum your home frequently and use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to remove dust mites and other allergens from the floor, furniture and mattresses.
Use dust-proof covers for your pillows, stuffed animals and other items that collect dust.
Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can worsen allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Reduce stress, as it can affect your immune system and make you more sensitive to allergens.
You may benefit from immunotherapy (allergy shots) if you suffer from severe or persistent allergic rhinitis that interferes with your daily life. With immunotherapy, small amounts of the allergens are injected into your body over time to help your immune system become less reactive to them. Although you may see the full benefits of immunotherapy after several months or years, it can reduce or eliminate your allergic rhinitis symptoms. A medically supervised immunotherapy is usually administered by an allergist or immunologist.
