Ear, nose and throat diseases | Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis:
It is an inflammation of the membranes lining the nose, and it occurs when breathing or inhaling substances to which the affected person is sensitive (irritants). A group of symptoms begin to appear within minutes of exposure to these substances, and can affect sleep, the ability to work, and concentration at school.
Allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever, but the primary allergen is not necessarily hay.
Allergic rhinitis occurs as a result of the immune system's reaction to certain allergens, such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. Sinusitis occurs when the nasal passages become infected and inflamed, often caused by viruses.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis occurs due to one of the following reasons:
High temperatures.
High humidity.
Polluted air.
Some types of perfumes.
Hairspray.
Fumes and smoke resulting from burning wood.
The difference between allergic rhinitis and a cold or flu?
Nasal allergy lasts for as long as exposure to the irritant, while a cold or flu lasts for 3-7 days.
Allergic rhinitis does not cause a high temperature, unlike a cold or flu.
Nasal discharge from allergic rhinitis is thin and watery, while nasal discharge from a cold or flu can be thicker.
Itching (mostly of the eyes, nose, mouth, throat, or skin) is common with allergic rhinitis and not common with a cold or flu.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis:-
Sneezing.
Cough.
Itching in the eyes, nose, mouth, or skin.
Runny nose.
Nasal congestion due to congestion.
Headache.
Redness, swelling and tearing of the eyes.
What is the difference between sinusitis and allergies?
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are similar, and both affect the patient's life to a great extent. We find a fundamental difference in their distinctive signs: while nasal allergy is accompanied by itchy eyes and skin, while sinusitis causes thick secretions and a feeling of pressure in the facial area.
How to protect yourself from allergic rhinitis:-
- Staying away from the elements that cause allergies. This means controlling the external environment
in which the affected person lives, by doing the following:
- Close the windows tightly in the house and car, and stay away from gardens and orchards in the spring and early summer (the time when plant pollen multiplies in the air).
- Stay away from animals that cause allergies, such as cats, horses, and birds.
- Reducing the presence of dust mites (they are tiny living creatures that feed on dead skin cells that the body gets rid of during sleep. When the droppings of this mite dry, they fly into the air and the infected person inhales them, causing allergy symptoms to appear on him. This mite also lives on pillow covers, rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture) , by following:
- Cover pillows with tissues that do not retain dust.
- Do not use pillows stuffed with feathers or use blankets made of wool.
- Pillowcases and bed covers should be washed at least once a week.
- Clean the floor and carpets regularly with a vacuum cleaner, and should not be done by anyone with allergies.
- Clean furniture pieces with a cloth dampened with water.
- Reduce as much furniture as possible in the infected person's bedroom, and replace regular curtains with metal curtains.
- Keep clothes in a locked closet.
- Do not allow animals to enter bedrooms.
How do I get rid of allergies in the nose?
There are many medications available that greatly help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the most important of which are:
- Antihistamines : Antihistamines are common medications that are widely used to treat nasal allergies and sneezing. This type of medication works to prevent the body from producing histamine.
- Decongestants...
- Corticosteroids...
- Other medications and treatments
Antihistamines
If you have an allergy, your doctor must prescribe antihistamines, which are a type of medication used to treat allergy symptoms, such as sneezing and runny nose.
It can also be used to treat asthma, weak immunity, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cough, sleep problems, and Parkinson's disease.
How do antihistamines work?
The medications work by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance secreted in the body that causes allergy symptoms.
When your body comes into contact with an allergen, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites, it makes chemicals called histamine, which cause swelling of the tissues in your nose, a rash, and itchy eyes.
Your doctor may recommend taking a decongestant with an antihistamine.
Types of antihistamines :-
Antihistamines may come in different forms, such as capsules, tablets, liquids, eye drops, injections, and nasal sprays. Some antihistamines are taken daily, while others are used only when symptoms occur.