Frequent sneezing? Stuffy or runny nose? Itchy eyes? Watery eyes? If you experience these symptoms, you don't have to suffer. It is possible to accurately diagnose the cause of these symptoms and suggest a treatment that will help improve your condition.
What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis affects 15% to 30% of the population and up to 40% of children, making it the most common cause of chronic or seasonal rhinitis. It occurs as a result of exposure to allergens in the air, such as tiny particles of various substances, like pollen from flowering plants. These allergens, which are usually not harmful, can trigger an allergic reaction in individuals who develop a heightened sensitivity to them.
Allergic symptoms are the result of a chain reaction that starts with the interaction of the immune system. For instance, if you are allergic to pollen, your immune system recognizes it as an intruder or allergen and reacts excessively by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies trigger the release of chemicals that cause the allergic response, such as inflammation of nasal tissues, leading to common symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itching.
People with allergic rhinitis may also suffer from watery and itchy eyes (due to allergic conjunctivitis) and may become more sensitive to other irritants like smoke, cold air, and dryness. Additionally, allergic rhinitis can be associated with allergic asthma, and appropriate treatment can help manage both conditions effectively.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergens that cause allergic rhinitis can be either external, meaning allergens present outside the home, or indoor allergens. External allergens include trees, grass pollen, and weed pollen, and they usually cause seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g., hay fever) but can also lead to perennial allergic rhinitis.
Common indoor allergens include dust mites, pet dander (from dogs, cats, rodents, and birds), mold spores, and cockroaches. These allergens often lead to perennial allergic rhinitis. In some cases, individuals may have combined sensitivities to both outdoor and indoor allergens.
Diagnosis:
To determine which allergens are causing your symptoms, a comprehensive medical evaluation is performed at an allergy clinic. It may include a physical examination, evaluation of lung function (for asthma assessment), and allergy tests, such as skin prick tests. The skin prick tests use a plastic device that checks for eight allergens simultaneously and is especially suitable for children and infants, as they are needle-free and provide results within 15 minutes.
The results of skin tests, along with the frequency and severity of symptoms, are used to determine the appropriate treatment.
Treatment:
The steps to manage allergy symptoms include:
1. Avoiding allergens to which you have been diagnosed as sensitive.
2. Medication-based treatment, such as nasal sprays (containing steroids or antihistamines), oral antihistamines, and eye drops (antiallergic).
3. In some cases, immunotherapy can be considered (allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy), especially if other treatments are ineffective or not preferred for long-term use. Immunotherapy is the only treatment that may stop the allergic reaction. It involves administering small amounts of the allergen in shots or drops under the tongue for three to five years.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis:
Some individuals suffer from chronic non-allergic rhinitis, which is not related to allergies. This type of rhinitis is characterized mainly by complaints of constant nasal discharge or congestion throughout the year. It is aggravated by strong odors, pollution, smoke, and other irritants. Non-allergic rhinitis may result from blood vessel abnormalities in the nasal lining, reactions to medications, pregnancy, or frequent use of nasal sprays to relieve congestion. In this case, appropriate medical treatment is recommended, and further medical evaluation that includes nasal structure and function assessment by an ENT specialist is essential.
(Note: The translation and rephrasing are provided to enhance clarity and fluency while maintaining the essential information of the original text.)