Alexander Chong asked:


Allergic rhinitis is an atopic disease, which is inherited from the parent. If both your parents have allergic rhinitis or other respiratory diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, and emphysema, the probability that you have these kinds of respiratory diseases is 50%. If one of your parents has respiratory diseases, the probability that you inherit their diseases is 25%. If both of your parents do not have any respiratory diseases, your chances to have respiratory diseases are no more than 12.5%. Sometimes, what has happened during pregnancy can cause allergic rhinitis to the newly born baby. The immunological status of the mother during pregnancy may cause the newly born baby has allergic rhinitis. Pregnant mothers who are smoking, drinking coffee and alcohol usually have poor immunological status, which can also cause newly born infant has allergic rhinitis or other respiratory diseases. This is because all these acts can cause high IgE antibody level in umbilical blood. Apart that, using bottle-feeding to feed milk to infant, early introduction of several kinds of food and early exposure to certain allergens and pollutants can cause nasal allergy to the newly born infant.



Allergic rhinitis symptoms change with age. At the earlier stage, children are mostly sensitive to seasonal allergens. After they have grown older, they usually become sensitive to perennial allergens. Therefore, after they have got over the symptom that is caused by seasonal allergens, they may still keep on the symptoms due to the perennial allergens. When the children grow older, they may have higher risk to have bronchial hyperreactivity and asthma. 17 to 19% of them will have asthma after grow up. To protect them from getting asthma, perennial immunotherapy should be used at the early stage. Moreover, the risk of getting asthma does not depend to age when the allergic rhinitis started, family history of atopic disease, sex, severity of symptoms at the starting period and treatment.

Allergic rhinitis started when the atopic individual meets the antigens that are able to stimulate the IgE response. So, what are substances that can act as allergens? Allergens usually are airborne particles, which have molecular weight ranging from 30 to 40,000 daltons and also with diameter ranging from 2 to 60 µm. Most of them have diameter more than 15 µm, which can deposit onto the nasal, pharyngeal and ocular surface. Chemically, these particles are proteins, which link to some small unit of carbohydrate. Particles that have these kinds of characters are pollen, acarids, animal dandruff and fungi.



Pollens that are released from grams, weeds and trees during breeding season usually cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Only light pollens that can be pollinated by wind can exist in air and cause a high natural exposure to the allergic rhinitis patient. The seriousness depends to the concentration of the pollens in the atmosphere. Individual with allergic rhinitis who lives in suburban area will be seriously affected by these seasonal pollens compared to the one who lives in city. Surrounding temperature also gives an impact to the pollens concentration in air. Usually, in warmer environment, plants release more pollens compared to cold environment. Most of the plants breed in late spring and summer that is the warmest season. Windy weather will cause the pollens scatter around in air and this will cause the most exposure to the allergic rhinitis patient. The better day is rainy day. Rain water can wash all the pollens in air and bring them down to the ground. Surrounding air becomes fresher and cleaner after raining.



The main culprit of the perennial nasal allergy is house-dust mites. The acarids that are commonly found in the house dust are Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus and farinae, Euroglyphus maynei and Blomia tropicalis. Substances that are directly responsible to the nasal allergy from these dust mites are their body and metabolic products. Usually, mites grow rapidly in damp and warm climate. Therefore, sensitization to acarids depends to where you are actually living. Nasal allergy for patients who live in tropical and equatorial regions have higher possibility causes by acarids because these regions climate is promote mites growth. House-dust mites grow at maximized concentration when surrounding humidity level is between 70 to 80 % and with the presence of high temperature. Nasal allergy symptoms will develop when the level of dust mite concentration reaches 2 µg/g in air. Conversely, in high mountains with dry and cold climate have lowest level of dust mites because this climate prevents the mite growth. Animals also are the other source of aeroallergens. These aeroallergens are present in the animal’s saliva, feces, urine and dandruff. Therefore, nasal allergy can be caused by domestic animals such as cat and dog and also wild rats and mice.

Air pollutants enhance the sensitization of the nasal allergy by the allergens. Air pollutants can be divided to two groups that are outdoor pollutants, which are released from industrial works, automobile exhaust and domestic heating, and indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke, furnishings, wood and coal burning and heater. Chemically, air pollutants consist of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and black smoke. How actually air pollutants enhance sensitization of nasal allergy is not completely clear. This may be due to air pollutants easily irritate the respiratory mucosa and make it prone to allergic sensitization. Air pollutants have negative impact to the nasal epithelium and ciliary beat, which are responsible to the clearance of allergens. Furthermore, some pollutants can enhance the releasing of the mediators that induce inflammation such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotriene C-4.

Apart from that, some pollutants also can stimulate synthesis of the IgE antibody directly. When allergen binds two IgE molecules together on the mast and basophil cells surface, primary chemical mediator; histamine, will be released and it will cause nasal allergy. Therefore, we can affirm that allergens can easily enter into our blood stream through our nasal mucosal membrane if we have chronic inflammation, not enough IgA antibody, impaired ciliary beat and also with air pollutants around us. IgA antibody is very important to our body because it prevents allergens from penetrating through our nasal mucosal layer. Monounsaturated oleic acids, which can be found in cold-pressed extra virgin olive and coconut oil, hazelnut or filbert oil (or the whole nuts), green and ripe olives, and almonds can increase IgA antibody in our body. Besides oleic acids, vitamin A also can increase IgA antibody, which can be found in cod liver oil, pumpkin, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes/yams, squash and other yellow or orange vegetable.

References:

Passàli D, Mosges R. Consensus Conference of Allergic Rhinitis in Childhood. Allergy 1999;54 (Suppl 55):5–27.

Linna O, Kokkonen J, Lukin M. A 10-year prognosis for childhood allergic rhinitis. Acta Paediatr 1992;81:100–2.

Braham SS, Barrows AA, Decotiis BA, Settipane GA, Corrao WM. Airway hyperresonsiveness in allergic rhinitis. A risk factor for asthma. Chest 1987;01:671–4.

Pedvis S, Fox ZR, Bacal HL. Long-term follow-up of ragweed hay fever in children. Ann Allergy 1962;20:

569–77.

Ausdenmoore RW. Allergeni aerei e fattori ambientali. In Lawlor GJJr, Fisher TJ editors. Manuale di Immunolgia

e allergologia. Milano, Libreria Editrice Internazionale, 1990:50–62.

Taudorf E, Moseholm L. Pollen count, symptom and medicine score in birch pollinosis. A mathematical approach. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 1988;86:225–33.

Krishna MT, Mudway IM, Kelly FJ, Frew AJ, Holgate ST. Ozone, airways and allergic airways disease. Clin Exp Allergy 1995;25:1150–8.

Konlee, Mark. “A Consumer’s Guide to Immune Restoration: The Search for ‘Th1′.” Positive Health News. Report No. 18. Spring 1999.

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


Millions of Americans suffer from one respiratory disorder or the other, which can impact their lives in serious ways. A respiratory disorder can be acute or chronic. Acute disorders can be easily treated and last for a short time. On the other hand, chronic disorders are not only difficult to treat but can also leave a person disabled for life.

What is Allergic Bronchitis?

Allergic bronchitis is a type of respiratory disorder. It is commonly referred to as allergic asthma. The immune system of a person suffering from allergic bronchitis is highly sensitve and so hyperactive that it attacks even hamless foriegn substance that enter the body. To put it in other words, the immune system labels a harmless entrant into the body as “dangerous” and produces antibodies to fight against it.

In allergic bronchitis, irritants and allergens inflame the bronchi and lower parts of the respiratory system. The condition lasts as long as the person is exposed to the allergens. In addition, allergic bronchitis is closely associated with asthma and respiratory allergy and can lead to conditions such as hay fever and allergic rhinitis.

In most cases, allergic bronchitis causes mild to moderate suffering. However, it is important to realize that allergic bronchitis can become very dangerous and even cause death. This is because some people are extremely sensitive to allergens. This extreme sensitivity can lead to suffocation caused due to the blocking of airways by inflamed tissues. People in this condition are in great danger. They need immediate hospitalization and medical care.

You know you are a victim of allergic bronchitis when you suffer from breathlessness, runny nose, red or swollen eyes, hyperventilation, tight chest, tickling in throat, persistent sneezing or coughing, headache, nausea, and so on. As soon as you recognise these symptoms, seek the help of a medical practitioner.

Treatment of Allergic Bronchitis

The importance of consulting a physician as soon you notice symptoms of allergic bronchitis cannot be overstressed. The doctor will conduct the required steps to find out which type of allergen is responsible for your particular problem. The test involves injecting an allergen directly under the skin and observing the way your body reacts to it.

Your doctor might even ask you to see an allergist. Allergists perform a series of tests in order to understand the nature of your allergy to a particular allergen. In addition, allergists can also teach you how to prevent the relapse of allergic bronchitis.

Treating mild or moderate allergic bronchitis is fairly simple. You need plenty of knowledge about the disorder, and you also need to know the particular type of allergen responsible for your problem. Once you know, it is easy to just avoid the allergens responsible for your problem. The medical treatment for this condition is anti-histamine medication.

Prevention of Allergic Bronchitis

It is easy to manage and even prevent allergic bronchitis. As mentioned previously, the easiest way is to determine the particular allergen causing your problem and just stay away from it. In addition to this, it pays to know a few things such as the following.

The summer season can aggravate this condition simply because during the summer, there are plenty of allergens in the air.

Remember to bathe your pets regularly and free their fur from any allergens. A lot of allergens are frequently found in the fur of animals.

Take special care of yourself if you are suffering from allergic bronchitis. As already said, the condition can get dangerous.

Keep some anit-histamine medication with you while travelling. You never know the type of allergens you might come across in an unfamiliar location. Having some anti-histamine with you will help you easily control any allergic reaction that might come up.

Be assured that it is possible to live a full, happy, and productive life even with allergic bronchitis. It is very important to keep yourself informed about your condition, ways of treating it, and way of preventing it. Be in touch with your allergist and your doctor. They are the best people to give you all the information you require about allergic bronchitis and to teach you how to live with the problem effectively.

Cindy Heller asked:


Most everyone has an idea of what an allergy is. Allergies are so common, in fact, that it seems acceptable to discuss allergy symptoms at a cocktail party with perfect strangers.

An allergy is an abnormal reaction by a person’s immune system to a normally harmless substance. A person without allergies would have no reaction to this substance, but when a person who is allergic encounters the trigger, the body reacts by releasing chemicals which cause allergy symptoms.

In children, allergic disease first occurs as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or food allergies. Children with atopic dermatitis are then at an increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis and asthma; both are more likely to occur in school-age children.

Typically, atopic dermatitis goes away by adulthood, as do many types of food allergies.

Allergic rhinitis and asthma, however, most often start during the adolescent, teenage and young adult years, and are likely to persist throughout a person’s life. The severity of allergic symptoms, however, may wax and wane, and even temporarily disappear during a person’s life.

Atopic Dermatitis

This is typically the first sign of allergies and is seen in 10 to 20% of all children, frequently during infancy. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is characterized by itching, with rash formation at the sites of scratching. The rash is typically red and dry, may have small blisters, and can flake and ooze over time.

In infants and very young children, this rash involves the face (especially the cheeks), chest and trunk, back of the scalp and may involve the arms and legs. This distribution reflects where the child is able to scratch, and therefore usually spares the diaper area. The location of the rash changes in older children and adults to classically involve the skin in front of the elbows and behind the knees. Food and environmental allergies have been shown to worsen atopic dermatitis.

Food Allergies

Food allergies can occur at any age. Almost all people with food allergies will have a skin symptom, such as hives, swelling, itching or redness of the skin, as a result of eating the culprit food. These symptoms typically occur within a few minutes of eating the food in question, although they can be delayed up to a couple of hours.

Other symptoms of food allergies can include nausea, vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhea, breathing difficulties (asthma symptoms), runny nose, sneezing, and lightheadedness. In some cases, children can experience a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

Nasal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis occurs in up to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes and nasal congestion. Some people may also experience post-nasal drip, allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes), and a line across the nasal bridge from an upward rubbing of the palm of the hand on the nose, a sign called the “allergic salute.”

Asthma

Allergies are a major cause of asthma, a condition that occurs in about 8% of all people. Though it can occur at any age, it is most often seen in males in the pre-teen years and in females in the teenage years; asthma is the most common chronic disease in children and young adults. Sometimes asthma is difficult to diagnose in very young children, and may require a physician who is an asthma specialist.

Symptoms of asthma may include:

- Coughing — This can be the only symptom in some people who have “cough-variant asthma.” The cough is often dry, hacking, and may be worse with allergic triggers and after exercise. The cough may only be present at night. Cold air may also trigger this symptom.

- Wheezing — This is a high-pitched, musical-like sound that can occur with breathing in and out in people with asthma. Wheezing usually occurs along with other asthma symptoms, may get worse with exercise and with allergic triggers.

- Shortness of breath — Most people with asthma feel as if they’re not getting enough air at times, particularly when they are physically exerting themselves or when an allergic trigger is present. People with more severe asthma have shortness of breath at rest or wake-up with this symptom during the night.

- Chest tightness — Some people describe this as a sensation that someone is squeezing or hugging them. Children may say that their chest hurts or feels “funny.”

Many asthmatics have symptoms with exercise; this does not necessarily mean that their asthma is severe or uncontrolled.

Sajid Latif asked:


What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nose resulting from an allergy. It affects five to 10 per cent of the population. A very common form is hay fever.

What causes allergic rhinitis and what are the risk factors?

An allergy is a response by the body’s defence system (the immune system) to something that is not a harmful infection. Such ‘harmless’ substances (allergens) include pollen, cat hair, animal dander, the house dust mite and mould spores.

It is not known why people develop allergic rhinitis. It is more common in people from families with eczema and asthma and there is probably an inherited factor that affects the way the immune system reacts to allergens.

What are the symptoms and complications of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis results in a runny, itchy and blocked nose. On lying down at night the fluid in the nose drips down on to the back of the throat and causes bouts of coughing, which can be uncomfortable and disturb sleep.

How do doctors recognise allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is usually diagnosed on the basis of the symptoms and their seasonal nature if it is hay fever or their association with a particular allergen such as cat hair.

Year-round allergic rhinitis due to mould spores or house dust mite is more difficult to diagnose as there are other similar forms of rhinitis that do not result from allergy. More than one allergen may be involved

What is the treatment for allergic rhinitis?

Self-care action plan

A self-care action plans to avoid the allergen and so minimise the symptoms of allergic rhinitis includes:

Keeping windows closed and using an air ioniser (for pollen)

Regular vacuuming using a vacuum cleaner with a pollen filter (all allergens)

Damp dusting, so preventing dust from being dispersed into the air (for house dust mite)

Use of special bed and pillow coverings and regular laundering of bedclothes

Medicines

A variety of medicines can be bought at the chemist to treat allergic rhinitis. Probably the most effective is a beclomethasone nasal spray. This acts to stop the inflammation in the nose, but takes a few days to produce this effect and so needs to be started before the symptoms become too severe. Once the symptoms are severe it may be sneezed straight out again.

Although allergic rhinitis is common in young women, none of these medications is recommended for use during pregnancy. All should be avoided if possible during pregnancy and increased efforts should be made to minimise exposure to the allergen as outlined in the self-care section of this factsheet. If the symptoms remain a problem, a doctor should be consulted.

Hyposensitisation

This involves giving gradually increasing doses of the substance that causes the allergy and in the process making the immune system less responsive to it. This should only be carried out under close medical supervision as occasionally this treatment causes a life-threatening allergic response that must be treated immediately with an injection of adrenaline.

Complementary therapy

Some complementary therapies (homoeopathy, osteopathy and acupuncture) claim to have beneficial effects on hay fever, but the explanations for their effect are not consistent with the traditional medical understanding of hay fever. Shiatsu, the Alexander technique and aromatherapy may help to improve general well-being and symptoms.

Alexander Chong asked:


A patient once had asked to a doctor about what did he need to do to take good care of his nose. The doctor simply and straightforwardly replied to the patient that what was more important was what not to do to your nose. Bad habits such as nose-picking, sniffing, rubbing, blowing the noses hard or stuffing things such as tissue and handkerchiefs up to the nostril can do a lot of harm to your nose. Generally, nose will take good care by itself. Physiologically, when we breathe in air in our lung, nose will warm, clean and humidify it. When we breathe out the air from our lung, it will cool and remove the water from the air. Besides using for breathing, nose is also the organ of smell and allows us to speech with a quality voice. Anatomically, a layer of skin covers the external part of the nose. Appearance of the nose is maintained by a complex network of bone and cartilage. Its function and shape may be altered if its complex network of bone and cartilage has been damaged by either trauma or infection.

Internal part of the nose contains respiratory mucous membranes, paranasal sinuses, nasolacrimal duct and nasopharynx. Besides all these sinuses, internal part of the nose also contains gland that secreting mucous. Tiny-hair-like-cilia continuously pushes the secreted mucous backwards into the back of our nose and throat, in order that, mucus does not flow out from our nostrils. Septum is the partition in the middle part of the internal nose. It is a cartilage, which can be easily fractured. Some people septum has deviated after born and some deviation may due to the unperceived injury during childhood. This will cause blockage on one side of the nose. However, this deviation can be corrected by an operation.

Contents of mucus are merely a mixture of water, ions, glycoproteins and immunoglobulins. Mucus can be said as part of the nasal defense system and it keeps the nose clean and free from bacteria, fungus and viruses. At the roof of the nose, there is olfactory mucosa, which is responsible for our sense of smell. Located at the side and top of the nasal cavity are the air sacs paranasal sinuses. There are total four pairs of paranasal sinuses and given name as maxillary, ethmoid, frontal and sphenoid sinuses. This is where the mucous has been produced and being drained out through the openings called ostium. Infection that causes obstruction to this mucous outflow can lead to sinusitis. Conditions that directly and indirectly affect the nose are common colds, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and nasal polyps.

Common cold is a very common disease that everybody can suffer at one time or another. It is caused by an infection of self-limiting viral. The symptoms are production of excessive clear mucous (runny nose), sneezing and nasal congestion. Seriousness of this disease is depending to how strong our immune system and also how vigorous the viruses that attack us. If we have a strong immune system, this disease will not exacerbate to sinusitis, asthma and Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). People with weak immune system will suffer a lot more. This is because it not only causes runny nose but also causes inflammation in the nasal passages and sore throat. If this disease does not treat within a few days for the one who does not have a strong immune system, it can exacerbate to sinusitis, asthma and Otitis Media with Effusion (OME). This disease can easily spread through body to body close contact especially hand to hand contact, sneezing mucous and saliva droplets. To recover from this disease, infected person only needs to keep warm, rest and take a lot of warm water. According to most of the resources, there is no cure for common cold. However, doctor usually prescribes antibiotic, anti-fever drug and anti-cough syrup to the patience. Most of the medical doctor will also include a few supplements such as vitamin C, zinc and Echinacea. Prescribed antibiotic by the doctor is not for treating the common cold virus. This is because antibiotic is not capable to kill virus. However, it can kill bacteria that take advantage during the infection of cold viruses.

Allergic rhinitis is also known as sensitive nose. Symptoms of this disease are continuous sneezing, nasal congestion and runny nose. The symptoms emerge only when one has been exposed to certain allergens such as house dust-mite, pollen, fungi, cigarette smoke, animal dandruff, furs and other irritating volatile chemicals. Sufferer can take anti-histamine tablets to relieve from this disease. Histamine is the main chemical that causes sensitive feeling in the nasal cavity. Nasal sprays contains corticosteroid hormone, which helps reduce our body immune system sensitivity to the foreign antigen, also can help to relieve the sensitive feeling in the nasal cavity. Corticosteroid is one of hormone that has been secreted from our adrenalin gland. Besides all these, immunotherapy is also one of the ways that can be used to treat this disease. These symptoms also can be alleviated by having regular exercise

Sinusitis is caused by the infection of the bacteria and fungi to the paranasal sinuses. This happens when bacteria and fungi entering these cavities. Occurrence of sinusitis is due to inflammation, nasal polyps and other nasal anatomical abnormalities that obstruct the mucosal outflow. Patient with sinusitis usually feels pain or pressure at the forehead or face. It is quite common that yellowish and greenish mucous will be discharged from your nostril especially in the morning. One with sinusitis, sense of smell will reduce or not that sharp compared to healthy nose. Sinusitis is due to the bacteria and fungi infection, so, antibiotics can help. However, prolonged and frequent sufferers may need to go through operation to clean up the nasal sinuses.

Nasal polyps are a grape-like swellings found in nasal cavity. They tend to block the air to flow through the nasal passage when breathing. Usually, it will cause production of excessive mucous. Sometimes, it will obstruct the ostium of the paranasal sinuses and cause the nasal mucous cannot be flowed out easily from the paranasal sinuses. This will give rise to sinusitis. Nasal sprays can control nasal polyps. Some nasal sprays can make the nasal polyps shrank temporarily. However, prolonged use will cause the nasal polyps rebound and become bigger. But if the nasal polyps are big and multiple and cause obstruction in the nasal cavity, operation is required to remove them. Unfortunately, they are a recurring disease.

Navneet Brar asked:


Getting desperate to breathe in the real sense?

Want to eat all that you crave for?

Want to do anything to get rid of a handicap-like inhalers and medicines?

Do not worry!

Here is a complete guide to free you from this trap FOREVER!

But first of all, let’s join to gather the needed information about your problem Asthma!

Asthma is a chronic condition in which narrowing of the nasal or air passage causes periodic attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These changes occur with the changes in the environment, including weather, allergens (such as dog or cat dander or dust), foods, or respiratory infections (flu, colds).

Asthma is also popularly known as Bronchial asthma, Exercise induced asthma – bronchial.

Causes of Asthma:

1. Inhaled allergens like pet dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens

2. Respiratory infections

3. Exercise

4. Cold air

5. Tobacco smoke and other pollutants

6. Stress

7. Food

8. Drug allergies

9. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)

10. An individual and/or family history of allergies such as Hay Fever (allergic rhinitis) or Eczema

11. strong emotions

Asthma attacks can last from minutes to days and become really dangerous if the flow of the air becomes severely restricted.

Recent researches show that asthma occurs in 3-5% of adults and 7-10% of children. Usually, half of the people with asthma develop this disease before age 10, and the rest before age 30. These symptoms can decrease over time, especially in children.

Asthma Symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath

Your chest feels tight and you start feeling that you can’t catch your breath anymore or get all the air you need.

2. Frequent Coughing

If you cough very frequently every day or if this cough starts interrupting your sleep at night that won’t quit, it could be a symptom of asthma.

3. Wheezing attacks

A whistling sound heard when a person with asthma is breathing. It happens when mucus causes the small passageways in your lungs called alveoli start to narrow. It happens all of a sudden and not constant. It may worsen at bedtime or early morning or by breathing cold air or by exercising.

4. Intercostal Retractions

These retractions stand for the inward movement of the muscles in the spaces between the ribs. The reduced pressure in the chest cavity is the reason for this pulling of the muscles. This is a sign of difficult breathing.

5. Tightness in the Chest

This can be quite threatening to the asthma sufferer. It gives the feeling of a steel band or a weight that is keeping your lungs from fully expanding as your breathe in.

6. Pallor or Cyanosis

Pallor is a whitish color and cyanosis is a bluish color in the lips and face. If either one of these is followed with severe shortness of breath, are danger signs of asthma attack. You need to get help right away if you notice this symptom.

7. Anxiety or Discomfort

A feeling of intense fear and uneasiness occurs when you find it difficult to breathe. If your anxiety is accompanied by short of breath and / or pallor or cyanosis, then undoubtedly, its time to get emergency help.

8. Fast pulse rate

If you find that your pulse is running extremely fast and you are sweating badly, then do not waste even a single moment and visit your doctor.

If you notice any of these symptoms in you or any of your near and dear ones on a regular or ongoing basis, then you might consult a doctor about whether you have asthma. And if already an asthma sufferer then do not waste time and immediately visit your doctor. Your doctor will diagnose your symptoms.

May God bless you!

James Monahan asked:


Everywhere there are hidden dangers waiting to spring at the unsuspecting. The good news is that if one keeps mindful, these dangers can be kept at bay with the proper lifestyle, armed with one’s favorite disinfectant.

Germs are tiny organisms that although we can’t see because they’re miniscule, have the capability to wreak havoc on one’s life.

The danger actually lies in the fact that they’re too tiny for us to see with the ***** eye. Because we can’t see them, we forget they are there. In the meantime, they grow in number until they reach critical mass and successfully attack our body’s natural defenses.

Bless you

One major proof that bacteria silently attacks is through allergic rhinitis. Contrary to popular belief, chronic sneezing, a running red nose and congestion are not signs of the common cold—it most probably is allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis can be debilitating in its symptoms which if unabated can affect one’s standard of life. All this trouble stems from ignorance and not enough disinfectant.

Another one bites the dust

Keeping our surroundings neat and orderly is not enough. There are hidden nooks and crannies in our homes and work areas that can be the breeding ground of dust and bacteria. Be sure to clean every corner thoroughly everyday and follow up with a good disinfectant to keep the germs and allergens away.

Who let the dog out

Pets are also another breeding ground for bacteria and allergens. Keep them out. If you can’t bear to parted with them though, make sure to keep them clean and away from the bedroom. Be sure to clean the places they frequent and always follow up with the proper disinfectant.

What lies beneath

Unbeknown to most, the bedroom is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and allergens. Thankfully, with the proper care and the ever-handy disinfectant bottle, one can successfully abate the dreaded diseases that find the perfect proliferation ground, the bed.

Make sure to constantly change the beddings and wash with a detergent armed with a disinfectant as the bed plays host to a swarm of bacteria and allergens. Humans shed skin and shed a lot of it while sleeping. The dead skin is the food of mites and such. To ensure a good night’s rest, regularly wash and use disinfectants on the bed sheets, pillow cases and around the bedroom.

Eat to live

A spotless kitchen unfortunately does not ensure a clean kitchen. Remember that food is prepared in the kitchen and must always kept truly clean.

Keep the kitchen dry and put a shield on all counters and other surfaces that one comes in contact with by always following up the usual wipes with a disinfectant. In this case, what you don’t see may kill you and before that happens, eliminate all known disease causing germs with the proper disinfectant.

Remember that the best defense is a good offense. In true cleanliness, one must not be miser with using the disinfectant. There are a number of good disinfectants available in the market exactly for this purpose. In the protection from unseen attackers, the disinfectant is your best friend.

Viktor Radcliff asked:


There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)- when symptoms are experienced only during spring and/or summer, and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) – when symptoms are experienced all year round.

The allergens that most commonly cause perennial allergic rhinitis are house dust, dust mites, cockroaches, cat or dog dander, and fungi or molds.

Industrial dust,fumes and chemicals can cause an occupation-related allergic rhinitis.

There is often a family predisposition to developing perennial allergic rhinitis and other allergies.

The symptoms of perennial rhinitis are described as like those of a permanent cold: blocked stuffy nose,constant sore throats and postnasal drip,headaches,loss of taste and smell.People with allergic rhinitis, particularly those with perennial allergic rhinitis, may experience sleep disorders and daytime fatigue.Some people with perennial allergic rhinitis show poorer psychological functioning than non-allergic people.

Symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis always flare up indoors.

The only way to prevent perennial allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes it.For perennial allergic rhinitis caused by dust and dust mite, this means using dust mite covers for pillows and mattresses,cleaning floors and walls with a damp mop, and using an air purifier.For perennial allergic rhinitis caused by animal dander,keeping pets out of the bedroom, and off furniture, rugs and other dander-catching surfaces and having pets bathed and groomed frequently is the best solution.

Although perennial allergic rhinitis resembles the seasonal rhinitis in some ways, there are important differences in treatment options : perennial symptoms stem from allergens being inhaled deep into the lungs, so many medications that are effective in treating hay fever symptoms will be less effective.

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays have become the main recommended treatment in perennial allergic rhinitis,especially in patients with moderate or severe PAR.Decongestant sprays and tablets will help relieve a stuffy, blocked nose with catarrh.However,they should be used for short periods only.Anti-histamine medication may help, but it is far less effective than for hay fever.

Allergy testing is very important so you can identify the exact indoor allergen that causes the allergy.

Mihail Fortomas asked:


Allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as “hay fever,” happens when you breathe in something you are allergic to. The inside of your nose becomes inflamed or swollen.

When this happens, the body’s immune system overreacts to specific particles such as plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, industrial chemicals, tobacco smoke, foods, medicines, and even insect venom.

Allergic rhinitis affects 40 million people in the United States and is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately 20% of the population. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications can occur and the condition can impair one’s quality of life leading to a number of indirect costs. Recently, the total direct and indirect cost of allergic rhinitis was estimated at around $5 billion annually.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Signs of allergic rhinitis are similar to signs of a common cold. But, unlike symptoms for the common cold, allergic rhinitis can last for more than 8-10 days. Symptoms include: -stuffy or runny nose -sneezing -itchy or watery nose -itchy or watery eyes -coughing (caused by clear mucus running down the back of the throat) -feeling of a ‘permanent cold’ that never goes away -headaches and earache -constant sore throats and postnasal drip -sleep disturbances and snoring -loss of taste and smell -poor concentration

Children who have allergic rhinitis might have dark circles under their eyes known as Allergic shiners” (related to nasal congestion). They may also use either the palm or the back of their hand to push their nose up as they try to stop the itching (called the “allergic salute”).

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Like our previous discussion, allergic rhinitis is caused by substances that trigger allergies, called allergens. These allergens are found both indoors and outdoors. When allergic rhinitis is caused by common outdoor allergens, like mold or trees, grass and weed pollens, it is often referred to as seasonal allergies, or “hay fever.”

Allergic rhinitis may also be triggered by allergens found in your house like animal dander (tiny skin flakes and saliva), indoor mold, and cockroach or house dust mite droppings.

If you experience symptoms during spring, you may be allergic to tree pollens which we will discuss in detail further on.

To know for certain what causes your symptoms, an allergist or immunologist can perform skin tests to determine what you are allergic to.

What are my choices or treatment?

Over-the-counter antihistamines and nose sprays can help at first, but they can have a number of unpleasant side effects. These antihistamines can make you feel tired and drowsy while nasal sprays can make your stuffiness worse.

Doctor-prescribed nose sprays and antihistamines are different types of medication and are very helpful for controlling long-term symptoms. Some are safe for young children and all are safe for adults.

Consultation with an allergist will determine the medicine and treatment that is right for you.

Can I do anything to avoid getting allergic rhinitis? As prevention is worth a pound of cure, there are some things you can do in your house that might make your symptoms better if not avoid them altogether:

For those who have rhinitis, it may be best not to have pets. But if it cannot be helped, make sure to wash your pet (especially if hairy and furry) once a week. Keeping them out of the bedroom and off the furniture will help as well.

Put pillows and mattresses in sealed plastic covers that keep out dust mites, and wash sheets in hot water weekly. Washing machines at the local Laundromat will have hot enough water to kill the dust mites.

Keep windows closed. If possible, get an air conditioner and run a dehumidifier, so that there will not be so many pollens and molds getting in the house.

What are allergy shots?

For some patients, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, are very helpful, and safe. Allergy shots help how your body handles allergens by injecting into your body small amounts of the substances causing your allergy. Over the period of the therapy, your body will learn to accept the allergen without overreacting to it (which is the reason for the allergic reactions).

Your doctor may talk to you about allergy shots if your allergy symptoms are very bad and if they happen for most of the year. You can also consider this if you are constantly around the allergens (such as pollens and dust mites) and if in spite medicines, you are still symptomatic.

Cindy Heller asked:

Rhinitis during pregnancy can be due to allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, or non-allergic rhinitis. If the woman has had allergic rhinitis prior to pregnancy, this could worsen, stay the same, or even improve. This change in symptoms may be dependent upon many factors, including the presence of seasonal allergens and increase in pregnancy hormones.

Non-allergic rhinitis in pregnancy may also be due to an increase in pregnancy hormones, leading to nasal congestion, runny nose and post nasal drip. This is called “rhinitis of pregnancy”. The symptoms may mimic allergies, but since they are non-allergic in nature, do not respond to anti-histamines.

The pregnant woman with rhinitis may be concerned about the safety of medications during pregnancy, and therefore avoid taking medications.

If avoidance of allergic triggers is not possible or successful, medications may be needed to control symptoms.

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis During Pregnancy

Allergy testing includes skin testing or blood tests, called a RAST. In general, allergy skin testing is not done during pregnancy, given the small chance of anaphylaxis which may occur. Anaphylaxis during pregnancy, if severe, could result in a decrease in blood and oxygen to the uterus, possibly harming the fetus. Therefore, allergy testing is usually deferred during pregnancy, although a RAST would be a safe alternative if the results are needed during pregnancy.

Safety of Allergy Medications During Pregnancy

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no drugs are considered completely safe in pregnancy. This is because no pregnant woman would want to sign up for a medication safety study while she is pregnant. Therefore, the FDA has assigned risk categories to medications based on use in pregnancy.

Pregnancy category “A” medications are medications in which there are good studies in pregnant women showing the safety of the medication to the baby in the first trimester. There are very few medications in this category, and no asthma medications.

Category “B” medications show good safety studies in pregnant animals but there are no human studies available.

Pregnancy category “C” medications may result in adverse effects on the fetus when studied in pregnant animals, but the benefits of these drugs may out weight the potential risks in humans.

Category “D” medications show clear risk to the fetus, but there may be instances in which the benefits outweigh the risks in humans. And finally, category “X” medications show clear evidence of birth defects in animals and/or human studies and should not be used in pregnancy.

Before any medication is taken during pregnancy, the doctor and patient must have a risk/benefit discussion. This means that the benefits of the medication should be weighed against the risks – and the medication should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Treatment of Rhinitis During Pregnancy

Nasal saline. Rhinitis of pregnancy tends not to respond to anti-histamines or nasal sprays. This condition seems to respond temporarily to nasal saline (salt water), which is safe to use during pregnancy (it is not actually a drug). Nasal saline is available over the counter, is inexpensive, and can be used as often as needed. Generally 3 to 6 sprays are placed in each nostril, leaving the saline in the nose for up to 30 seconds, and then blowing the nose.

Anti-histamines. Older anti-histamines, such as chlorpheniramine and tripelennamine, are the preferred agents to treat allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, and are both category B medications. Newer anti-histamines such as over-the-counter loratadine (Claritin/Alavert and generic forms) and prescription cetirizine (Zyrtec) are also pregnancy category B medications.

Decongestants. Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, many generic forms) is the preferred oral decongestant to treat allergic and non-allergic rhinitis during pregnancy, although should be avoided during the entire first trimester, as it has been associated with infant gastroschisis. This medication is pregnancy category C.

Medicated nasal sprays. Cromolyn nasal spray (NasalCrom, generics) is helpful in treating allergic rhinitis if it is used before exposure to an allergen and prior to the onset of symptoms. This medication is pregnancy category B and is available over the counter. If this medication is not helpful, one nasal steroid, budesonide (Rhinocort Aqua), recently received a pregnancy category B rating (all others are category C), and therefore would be the nasal steroid of choice during pregnancy.

Immunotherapy. Allergy shots can be continued during pregnancy, but it is not recommended to start this treatment while pregnant. Typically the dose of the allergy shots is not increased, and many allergists will cut the dose of the allergy shot by 50 percent during pregnancy. Some allergists feel that allergy shots should be stopped during pregnancy, given the risk of anaphylaxis and possible danger to the fetus as a result. Other than anaphylaxis, there is no data showing that the allergy shots themselves are actually harmful to the fetus.