Understanding Allergic Bronchitis – Simple Prevention Tips
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.
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.
Allergic rhinitis
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.
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.
Allergic Rhinitis – Symptoms and Treatment
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.
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.
