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.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
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.
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.
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.
Common Causes For Seasonal Allergies
November 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under Diseases And Conditions
Chris Marshall asked:
Seasonal Allergies usually occur during spring, fall and summer. Winter is not a common time for Allergies because there are not as many plants in bloom during this time due to the cold weather. When plants bloom and flourish, so do seasonal Allergies but this does not mean that this allergy is caused mainly by plants. The weather can also play a big role in triggering seasonal allergies.
Seasonal Allergies Due To Pollen And Dust
Pollen is one of the main causes of seasonal Allergies as well as dust and mold spores. These are common occurrences during spring and summer as well as during fall. The pollen from plants can cause serious hay fever in some individuals who are highly sensitive to the allergens they contain. Pollen tends to become airborne when the right season comes and these cause allergic reactions in individuals.
There is actually little that you can do about being allergic to pollen, dust and mold spores. Seasonal Allergies are usually controlled and not eliminated with the use of antihistamines. Although, not all areas of the city may have pollen, mold spores or dust, chances are, whenever you go around the city, you will encounter airborne mold spores, pollen and dust separately. If you are sensitive to any of these allergens, then you are highly likely to have an allergic reaction.
What To Expect From Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal Allergies usually manifest themselves as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and other allergic rhinitis symptoms. You might initially think that you have a cold but actually there is a great deal of difference between the two. Seasonal Allergies are usually not accompanied by fever whereas a cold is and a cold usually lasts for around 10 days compared to seasonal Allergies that last for as long as you are exposed to the allergens.
Seasonal Allergies also react well to antihistamines whereas colds to decongestants. Allergies that rely on seasons also occur during summer, spring and fall compared to a cold that usually occur during winter. Allergies are also dependent on the individual’s reaction to allergens while colds can be transmitted from one person to another.
As stated earlier, these kinds of Allergies react well to antihistamines. Some may need stronger medication to control but the key is to lessen your exposure to the allergens. Allergens updates are also posted by the government to help out those who are sensitive to hay fever and other allergens.
Seasonal Allergies usually occur during spring, fall and summer. Winter is not a common time for Allergies because there are not as many plants in bloom during this time due to the cold weather. When plants bloom and flourish, so do seasonal Allergies but this does not mean that this allergy is caused mainly by plants. The weather can also play a big role in triggering seasonal allergies.
Seasonal Allergies Due To Pollen And Dust
Pollen is one of the main causes of seasonal Allergies as well as dust and mold spores. These are common occurrences during spring and summer as well as during fall. The pollen from plants can cause serious hay fever in some individuals who are highly sensitive to the allergens they contain. Pollen tends to become airborne when the right season comes and these cause allergic reactions in individuals.
There is actually little that you can do about being allergic to pollen, dust and mold spores. Seasonal Allergies are usually controlled and not eliminated with the use of antihistamines. Although, not all areas of the city may have pollen, mold spores or dust, chances are, whenever you go around the city, you will encounter airborne mold spores, pollen and dust separately. If you are sensitive to any of these allergens, then you are highly likely to have an allergic reaction.
What To Expect From Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal Allergies usually manifest themselves as sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and other allergic rhinitis symptoms. You might initially think that you have a cold but actually there is a great deal of difference between the two. Seasonal Allergies are usually not accompanied by fever whereas a cold is and a cold usually lasts for around 10 days compared to seasonal Allergies that last for as long as you are exposed to the allergens.
Seasonal Allergies also react well to antihistamines whereas colds to decongestants. Allergies that rely on seasons also occur during summer, spring and fall compared to a cold that usually occur during winter. Allergies are also dependent on the individual’s reaction to allergens while colds can be transmitted from one person to another.
As stated earlier, these kinds of Allergies react well to antihistamines. Some may need stronger medication to control but the key is to lessen your exposure to the allergens. Allergens updates are also posted by the government to help out those who are sensitive to hay fever and other allergens.
