Allergic Rhinitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal membranes that appears as an overreaction of the body’s immune system to allergens (allergy triggers). The allergens in question include dust, mites, mildew, or flakes of animal dead skin cells. Symptoms that appear are generally in the form of a stuffy nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes, and swelling around the eyes.
Allergic rhinitis is the most common type of allergy. In Western countries, 10-30 percent of the population has this condition. Most cases of allergic rhinitis are found in the age group of 20-40 years.
Complications of Allergic Rhinitis
In certain cases, allergic rhinitis can trigger complications, including:
- Nasal polyps, fluid-filled sacs that form in the nasal cavities and sinuses due to inflammation of the lining of the nasal cavities
- Sinusitis, an infection that occurs when fluid cannot drain from the sinuses is caused by inflammation and swelling of the nasal cavities
- Middle ear infection, an infection that occurs behind the eardrum
Usually, the three conditions above can be treated with medication. In severe or prolonged cases, surgery is required.
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
Allergic rhinitis symptoms can appear minutes or hours after you inhale an allergen. And these symptoms can last several days.
Some of the symptoms that can appear immediately when you inhale an allergen:
- Repeatedly sneezing, especially when waking up in the morning
- Runny nose
- Itchy throat or coughing, caused by the fluid being distributed from the nose
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Itchy ears and nose
Other symptoms that may arise sometime after exposure to an allergen include:
- Nasal congestion, this will result in sufferers having to breathe through the mouth
- Eyes are sensitive to light
- Feel tired
- Chronic cough
- Experiencing pressure in the ear or difficulty hearing
- Discomfort in the face
- Dark circles form under the eyes
Also, be aware of other diseases with symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis such as respiratory infections.
At certain times, the symptoms experienced may be milder or vice versa. Factors that can affect allergic rhinitis symptoms:
- Changes in the weather. If you are allergic to dust mites or damp rooms, your symptoms may be worse during the rainy season because you spend more time indoors.
- Pregnancy. In pregnant women, usually the symptoms of allergic rhinitis will be more severe. This will also have an impact on asthma or sinusitis.
- Age. As you get older, allergens generally won’t affect you as much.
Allergic Rhinitis Reason
If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system will overreact to allergens. The immune system will produce antibodies to repel allergens.
An allergic reaction will not appear the first time you come in contact with the allergen. The immune system must recognize and remember it first before producing antibodies to fight it. After that, you start to be sensitive to allergens.
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) will detect inhaled allergens. These antibodies will release various chemicals, including histamine. Histamine release results in inflammation of the inner lining of the nose (mucous membranes) and produces a lot of mucus. This is what makes you experience sneezing and a runny or even blocked nose.
Below are allergens that generally trigger allergic rhinitis:
Mite
Mites are small insects that eat dead human skin cells. Mites are usually found in mattresses, carpets and pillows. Rhinitis is usually caused by chemicals contained in mite droppings.
Animal
Actually, allergic reactions are not caused by animal dander, but by flakes of dead skin cells of animals, saliva and urine. Many people are allergic to dogs and cats.
Pollen and spores
Trees and grass produce pollen, if inhaled it can cause allergic rhinitis. Meanwhile, fungi produce spores that can cause the same thing.
Generally, allergic rhinitis is influenced by hereditary factors. Children who grow up in an environment where many family members smoke or have pets have a higher risk of allergic rhinitis.
Diagnosis
Generally, the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is confirmed by physical examination. Apart from that, the doctor will also collect information about the symptoms that appear, daily activities, and environmental conditions. If the doctor can confirm the diagnosis and the patient has no complications, then laboratory tests are not needed.
You need further examination if:
- Want to know for sure the allergen that triggers your allergic rhinitis so that steps can be taken to avoid it
- Treatment that has been done is not effective
- You have pretty severe symptoms
- You want to undergo immunotherapy treatment, such as anti-allergy injections.
Follow-up examinations that the doctor will carry out include: - Skin prick test. The test is carried out by inserting a needle that has been given a certain allergen into the skin to find out the reaction.
- Blood test. To determine levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies produced by the body in reaction to certain allergens.
Both types of examination will help your doctor determine whether allergic rhinitis is causing your symptoms and determine the right treatment. Examination can also be used to check for complications that may arise, such as sinusitis or asthma.
Another check for allergies
Generally, continuous checks are not necessary. However, the doctor may recommend it to make sure that the symptoms are not caused by another disease. The examination in question is:
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. This examination will show if you have a sinus infection, chronic inflammation of the lining of the sinuses, abnormal nasal structures, or cancer.
- Rhinoscopy or nasal endoscopy. Examination performed to identify nasal polyps or other things that block the nasal passages.
- Check mucociliary clearance time. Examination performed to look for cilia (fine hairs) that grow abnormally in the nasal cavity. Several rare diseases can cause problems with the cilia, resulting in excess fluid production.
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Generally, cases of allergic rhinitis can be treated at home by using over-the-counter medications at pharmacies – such as antihistamines or decongestants. If symptoms get worse and interfere with daily activities, consult a doctor immediately.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis in adults is different from that of children. Before giving children symptom relievers, you should consult with your doctor first.
Some medications that can be used to relieve allergic rhinitis:
- Cleaning the respiratory tract
To help maintain cleanliness and prevent irritation of the nasal cavity, you can clean the respiratory tract regularly. This can be done by inhaling a saltwater solution that can be purchased at a pharmacy or made at home.
The way to make a salt solution is quite easy, namely by mixing one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and one teaspoon of salt into 500 ml of warm water. Wait until the water temperature is tolerable. Then, you can inhale the liquid to clean the respiratory tract. Do it as often as possible. Always use a new solution for each cleaning session. Don’t be afraid if the liquid is swallowed because it is not dangerous, but it is best to spit out as much as possible.
• Drugs
Allergies cannot be cured, but medications can be used to relieve allergy symptoms. It is best if you consult a doctor if after two weeks there is no positive response to the use of drugs.
Several drugs are used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking the performance of histamine. These drugs are sold freely, but antihistamines in the form of nasal sprays can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription. Side effects of antihistamines are sleepy.
Corticosteroids
If you have a condition with nasal obstruction, such as nasal polyps, this will make the symptoms appear frequently and are usually quite severe. The doctor will give you a nasal spray containing corticosteroids.
Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and swelling. They work longer than antihistamines but have a long-lasting effect. Side effects of this medication include nasal irritation and nosebleeds.
If you experience symptoms that are severe enough and need a fast-acting reliever, your doctor may give you corticosteroids in tablet form which can be consumed for 5-10 days. - Additional Treatment
If allergic rhinitis does not respond to current treatment, the doctor may provide additional treatment, including: - Increase the dose of corticosteroid spray
- Treatment using a decongestant spray
- Combining antihistamine tablets with the use of corticosteroid nasal sprays and decongestants
- Using an ipratropium spray that will help reduce excess mucus
- Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
Immunotherapy is done by injecting an allergen into the patient’s upper arm gradually. This is done to introduce and familiarize the body with the allergen. The hope is that the patient will no longer depend on allergy relievers. The side effect of this therapy is the possibility of serious allergic reactions. This is the reason why this therapy should be performed by a trained specialist.