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Allergic Rhinitis

What is allergic rhinitis?


An allergen is an otherwise harmless substance that causes an allergic reaction. Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to specific allergens. Pollen is the most common allergen in seasonal allergic rhinitis. These are allergy symptoms that occur with the change of seasons.



Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

1.sneezing

2.a runny nose

3.a stuffy nose

4.an itchy nose

5.coughing

6.a sore or scratchy throat

7.itchy eyes

8.watery eyes

9.dark circles under the eyes

10.frequent headaches

11.eczema-type symptoms, such as having extremely dry, itchy skin that can blister and weep

12.hives

13.excessive fatigue

You’ll usually feel one or more of these symptoms immediately after coming into contact with an allergen. Some symptoms, such as recurrent headaches and fatigue, may only happen after long-term exposure to allergens. Fever isn’t a symptom of hay fever.

Some people experience symptoms only rarely. This likely occurs when you’re exposed to allergens in large quantities. Other people experience symptoms all year long. Talk to your doctor about possible allergies if your symptoms last for more than a few weeks and don’t seem to be improving.



What causes allergic rhinitis?

When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine, which is a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen. This chemical can cause allergic rhinitis and its symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

In addition to tree pollen, other common allergens include:

1.grass pollen

2.dust mites

3.animal dander, which is old skin

4.cat saliva

5.mold

During certain times of the year, pollen can be especially problematic. Tree and flower pollens are more common in the spring. Grasses and weeds produce more pollen in the summer and fall.



Risk factors for allergic rhinitis

Allergies can affect anyone, but you’re more likely to develop allergic rhinitis if there is a history of allergies in your family. Having asthma or atopic eczema can also increase your risk of allergic rhinitis.

Some external factors can trigger or worsen this condition, including:

1.cigarette smoke

2.chemicals

3.cold temperatures

4.humidity

5.wind

6.air pollution

7.hairspray

8.perfumes

9.colognes

10.wood smoke

11.fumes


How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

If you have minor allergies, you’ll probably only need a physical exam. However, your doctor may perform certain tests to figure out the best treatment and prevention plan for you.

A skin prick test is one of the most common. Your doctor places several substances onto your skin to see how your body reacts to each one. Usually, a small red bump appears if you’re allergic to a substance.

A blood test, or radioallergosorbent test (RAST), is also common. The RAST measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies to particular allergens in your blood.



Treatments for allergic rhinitis

You can treat your allergic rhinitis in several ways. These include medications, as well as home remedies and possibly alternative medicines. Talk to your doctor before trying any new treatment measure for allergic rhinitis.



Home remedies

Home remedies will depend on your allergens. If you have seasonal or pollen allergies, you can try using an air conditioner instead of opening your windows. If possible, add a filter designed for allergies.

Using a dehumidifier or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter can help you control your allergies while indoors. If you’re allergic to dust mites, wash your sheets and blankets in hot water that’s above 130°F (54.4°C). Adding a HEPA filter to your vacuum and vacuuming weekly may also help. Limiting carpet in your home can also be useful.


Complications of allergic rhinitis

Unfortunately, allergic rhinitis itself can’t be prevented. Treatment and management are keys to achieving a good quality of life with allergies. Some complications that can arise from hay fever include:

1.inability to sleep from symptoms keeping you up at night

2.development or worsening of asthma symptoms

3.frequent ear infections

4.sinusitis or frequent sinus infections

5.absences from school or work because of reduced productivity

6.frequent headaches

Complications can also arise from antihistamine side effects. Most commonly, drowsiness can occur. Other side effects include headache, anxiety, and insomnia. In rare cases, antihistamines can cause gastrointestinal, urinary, and circulatory effects.


Allergic rhinitis in children


Children can develop allergic rhinitis too, and it typically appears before the age of 10. If you notice that your child develops cold-like symptoms at the same time each year, they probably have seasonal allergic rhinitis.

The symptoms in children are similar to those in adults. Children usually develop watery, bloodshot eyes, which is called allergic conjunctivitis. If you notice wheezing or shortness of breath in addition to other symptoms, your child may have also developed asthma.

If you believe your child has allergies, see your doctor. It’s important to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.



Preventing allergies

The best way to prevent allergy symptoms is to manage your allergies before your body has a chance to respond to substances adversely. Consider the following preventive measures for the particular allergens you’re sensitive to:

































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