It is a common condition that affects as many as one in five people.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms and treatment |
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation and sensitivity inside the nose that occurs as a result of exposure to allergens such as: dust, mold and animal dander.
Allergens are harmless substances that cause an opposite reaction to the immune system, which is believed to be a harmful substance, so it releases histamine to fight it, and this leads to the emergence of the annoying symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
People with allergic rhinitis suffer from persistent and long-term symptoms that are:
- Nasal congestion is either runny or stuffy.
- Constant sneezing.
- Sore throat.
- coughing.
- Itchy eyes with tears.
- Fatigue and exhaustion.
- The appearance of dark circles around the eyes.
- headache.
- Chills and coldness in the body.
- Dry skin, or eczema.
The feeling of these symptoms, or some of them, begins immediately after contact with the allergens.
Usually, allergic rhinitis does not occur in people until after exposure to large amounts of allergens and for a long time, when the person feels sick.
As for others, they suffer from seasonal allergies almost all days of the year, and if symptoms persist for more than three weeks, then it is recommended to visit a doctor, to prescribe the appropriate treatment and reduce the annoying symptoms.
Causes of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs immediately after exposure to allergens, especially tree pollen, and when it enters the body, the immune system releases histamine to get rid of the substances that entered the body.
In this case, histamine can cause a runny nose, sneezing, and other symptoms in some people.
Causes of allergic rhinitis
- The main cause is tree pollen.
- Grass pollen.
- Dust and dirt.
- pet dander.
- Cat saliva.
The problem of allergies increases in the spring because trees and flowers release a lot of pollen, and weeds release more pollen in the summer and fall. So allergies are considered a seasonal problem all year round.
Factors that increase the risk of allergic rhinitis
- One of the parents has an allergy.
- Chemicals.
- Dusty air.
- Low air temperature.
- cigarette smoke.
- air pollution.
- perfume.
Nasal allergy diagnosis
The method of pricking the skin with a variety of materials is the most common method for detecting the presence of an allergy in a person.
If small red dots appear on the skin, then the person is allergic, and if no reaction appears on the skin, there is no allergy.
It is also possible to do a blood test to detect the level of antibodies in the blood.
allergic rhinitis treatment
To treat allergic rhinitis, there are many ways and methods:
- Antihistamines, which work to prevent the body from producing histamine, can be obtained without a prescription. Examples of allergy pills include:
- Zyrtec.
- Allegra.
- Clarins.
- Claritin.
- Benadryl.
- decongestants
Decongestants are used for only three days, after which it is preferable to stop so as not to have an adverse reaction and make matters worse, including:
- Sudafed.
- Afrin.
- Sudafed B.
- Zertes de.
But people who have these problems should consult a doctor before using this medicine:
- Hypertension.
- Sleep disorders.
- Bladder problems.
- an irregular heartbeat.
- Eye drops and nasal sprays such as corticosteroids
This spray helps treat a stuffy nose and relieve other symptoms, but it should not be used for long periods.
- allergy injections
These injections are considered as an immunotherapy that helps the body to accept the entry of allergens without causing any symptoms.
One or more injections are taken during the week for five or six months.
Complications of allergic rhinitis
- Difficulty sleeping at night due to disturbing symptoms.
- Infection with sinusitis.
- continuous headache.
- Ear infection recurs.
- chance of developing asthma.
Natural ways to treat allergic rhinitis
- First, you should stay away from allergens, including avoiding close contact with pets, closing windows and doors during plant pollination seasons, changing mattress covers frequently and washing them with hot water.
- Take nutritional supplements that contribute to the treatment of symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as vitamin D, vitamin C, omega-3 and probiotic supplements.
- Eat foods that help treat allergies such as seafood and foods that contain probiotics such as yogurt, labneh, oranges, lemons, tomatoes, walnuts and honey.