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Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the membrane lining the nose and the throat is inflamed. it affects people who experience an allergic reaction after they inhale specific airborne substances (allergens). allergic rhinitis may occur only during the spring and summer, in which case it is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, or it may be perennial and occur all year around. allergic rhinitis is more common in people who also have other allergic rhinitis, such as asthma.Allergies are due to an overactive immune system and are universally recognized as an inappropriate immune system response that is out of proportion to the offending allergen.
Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances.The symptoms of both forms of allergic rhinitis usually appear soon after contact with the allergen but tend to be more severe in hay fever. they include:
Â· frequent sneezing.
Â· blocked, runny nose.
Â· itchy, red, watery eyes.
.Itching nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin, or any area
.Problems with smell
.Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
some people may develop a headache. if the lining of the nose is severely inflamed, nosebleeds may occur.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually due to grass, tree, flower, or wheat pollens; it occurs mostly in the spring and summer when pollen counts are high. the most common allergens that provoke perennial allergic rhinitis include house dust and dust mites, animal fur and dander, feathers, and mold spores.
Allergies are caused by an over-sensitive immune response. The immune system normally protects the body against harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. Allergy symptoms occurs when the immune system reacts to substances (allergens) that are generally harmless and in most people do not cause an immune response.
When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, antibodies are produced. When the antibodies are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine and other chemicals are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary from person to person. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes.
Hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen. A similar reaction occurs with allergy to mold, animal dander, dust, and similar inhaled allergens.
The pollens that cause hay fever vary from person to person and from region to region. Large, visible pollens are seldom responsible for hay fever. Tiny, hard to see pollens more often cause hay fever. Examples of plants commonly responsible for hay fever include:
Trees (deciduous and evergreen)
The amount of pollen in the air can play a role in whether hay fever symptoms develop. Hot, dry, windy days are more likely to have increased amounts of pollen in the air than cool, damp, rainy days when most pollen is washed to the ground.
Some disorders may be associated with allergies. These include eczema and asthma.
Allergies are common. Your genes and environmental may make you more prone to allergies.
Signs and tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. Your history of symptoms is important in diagnosing allergic rhinitis, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season, exposure to pets or other allergens, and diet changes.
Allergy testing may reveal the specific allergens the person is reacting to. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This may include scratch, patch, or other tests.
If your doctor determines you cannot undergo skin testing, the RAST blood test may help determine which allergens you are sensitive to.
What might be done?
Your doctor will probably recognize allergic rhinitis from your symptoms, particularly if you are able to identify the substance that triggers a reaction. a skin prick test may be performed in order to identify the allergen that causes the allergic rhinitis. in some cases, the allergen cannot be found.
if you can avoid the allergens that affect you, your symptoms will subside. many antiallergy drugs are available over-the-counter or by prescription. for example, allergies can be blocked by nasal sprays that contain cromolyn sodium. alternatively, corticosteroids are effective for hay fever but may take a few days to work. nasal sprays containing decongestants can relieve symptoms but should not be used regularly. oral antihistamines are often combined with decongestants to relieve inflammation and itching. eyedrops may help relieve eye symptoms. rarely, if symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid.
the most specific treatment for allergic rhinitis is immunotherapy, in which you are injected with gradually increasing doses of allergen with the aim of desensitizing the immune system. this treatment, which typically takes as long as 3-4 years, is not always successful.
The goal of treatment is to reduce allergy symptoms caused by the inflammation of affected tissues.
The best “treatment” is to avoid what causes your allergic symptoms in the first place. It may be impossible to completely avoid all allergens to which you are sensitive, but you can often take steps to reduce exposure.
Medication options include the following:
Short-acting antihistamines can relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but can cause drowsiness. Many may be bought without a prescription. A pediatrician should be consulted before using these medicines in children, as they may affect learning. Loratadine (Claritin) is now available over the counter. It does not tend to cause drowsiness or affect learning in children.
Longer-acting antihistamines are available by prescription. They cause less drowsiness and can work just as well. They usually do not interfere with learning. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).
Nasal corticosteroid sprays work very well for people with symptoms not relieved by antihistamines alone. These prescription medications include fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex), and triamcinolone (Nasacort).
Azelastine (Astelin) is a new, nasal antihistamine that is used to treat allergic rhinitis.
Decongestants may also be helpful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion, but they should not be used for long periods.
Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray (Nasalcrom) for treating hay fever. Eye drop versions of cromolyn sodium and antihistamines are available for itchy, bloodshot eyes.
The leukotriene inhibitor Singulair is a prescription medicine approved to help control asthma and to help relieve the symptoms of seasonal allergies.
The most appropriate medication depends on the type and severity of symptoms. Specific illnesses that are caused by allergies (such as asthma and eczema) may require other treatments.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are occasionally recommended if the allergen cannot be avoided and if symptoms are hard to control. This includes regular injections of the allergen, given in increasing doses (each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose) that may help the body adjust to the antigen.
Most symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be readily treated.
In some cases (particularly children), people may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the allergen. However, as a general rule, once a substance causes allergies for an individual, it can continue to affect the person over the long term.
More severe cases of allergic rhinitis require immunotherapy (allergy shots) or removal of tissue in the nose or sinuses.
Drowsiness and other side effects of antihistamines
Side effects of other medications
Disruption of lifestyle (usually not severe)
Symptoms can sometimes be prevented by avoiding known allergens. During the pollen season, people with hay fever should remain indoors in an air-conditioned atmosphere whenever possible:
Most trees produce pollen in the spring.
Grasses usually produce pollen during the late spring and summer.
Ragweed and other late-blooming plants produce pollen during late summer and early autumn.
For people who are sensitive to certain indoor allergens, dust mite covers for mattresses and pillowcases are recommended, as well as avoiding culprit pets or other triggers.
.Homeopathic Medicines & Treatment for HAY FEVER, Allergic Rhinitis
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.