An Overview of Allergic Rhinitis: The Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment

Allergic rhinitis is a condition with a group of symptoms that affects the nose, eyes, and throat. Your body’s immune system may recognize and overreact to something present in the environment that does not normally affect other people. This something is called an allergen and varies depending on the environment.

Allergic rhinitis may be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens in air-bone mold spores or pollen found in grass, trees, and weeds. Its symptoms manifest in spring, early fall, and summer. Perennial allergic rhinitis shows the symptoms all year round. It is caused by allergens that are found in dust mites, dander, mold, or pet hair. Seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis treatment in Citrus Heights, CA is available.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

A person with allergic rhinitis will have these symptoms after inhaling an allergen;

• Sneezing
• Stuffy nose caused by congestion or blockage
• Excessive fatigue
• Red, watery eyes
• Headache
• Cough
• Hives
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Puffy or swollen eyelids
• Itchy nose, throat, eyes, and mouth roof
• Extremely dry, itchy skin that blisters

Triggers of Allergic Rhinitis

• Indoor allergens like pet hair, cat saliva, dander, mold, and dust mites
• Pollen from weeds, trees, mold spores, or grass
• Cigarette or wood smoke
• Cold temperatures
• Humidity
• Strong smell from fumes, air fresheners, or perfume
• Cleaning solutions
• Car diesel exhaust

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

At Airway Sleep and TMJ Solution the doctor looks at the symptoms and discusses your personal and family medical history. Physical exams will be carried out by your doctor for minor allergic rhinitis, but severe allergies will require tests. They help your doctor make an individualized treatment and prevention plan. The tests are quick, about 10-20 minutes.

Some of the tests are;

1. The skin prick test. The doctor takes different substances which may have triggered the allergic reaction and places them on your skin. Anything you are allergic to will cause small red bumps in the area. This reaction to your skin shows what exactly caused allergic rhinitis.
2. Intradermal test. The doctor may also inject a possible allergen under your skin to check for a reaction.
3. A blood test known as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies to certain allergens in the patient’s blood. The amount is high if there are present allergies.

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis

The doctor will recommend the best medications to reduce the symptoms. Some of these are;

1. Antihistamines

These are medications to counter the effects of the irritating chemical that is released in the body during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines are present in nasal sprays, eye drops, oral tablets, and syrup. They help to relieve symptoms like;

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Itchy eyes, burning, tearing, and redness
• Itchy skin, eczema, and hives

2. Intranasal corticosteroids

They are medications that significantly alleviate nasal congestion, itching, a runny nose, and sneezing. They are sprays that treat the inflammation that is caused by allergic rhinitis.

3. Oral corticosteroids

These are tablets used for severe allergic rhinitis symptoms.

4. Immunotherapy

It is medication administered through shots or sublingual drops to provide long-term relief to allergic rhinitis. It aims at gradually desensitizing your immune system to allergens that trigger the symptoms.

5. Decongestants

This is a medication that relieves stuffiness and pressure that is caused by swollen nasal tissue.

6. Eye allergy preparations

Allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis may cause redness, itching, and watery eyes. These symptoms are alleviated by eye allergy preparations.

Management of Allergic Rhinitis

It is impossible to avoid allergens that cause allergic rhinitis completely, but you can minimize your exposure to them. The following tips will help you.

• Remain indoors during times when pollen counts are high.
• Reduce the exposure to dust mites by using covers for mattresses, pillows, and comforters
• Wear glasses when outdoors to reduce the amount of pollen that gets into your eyes.
• Hang clothes where pollen may not cling to them.
• Keep the humidity in the house low to limit your exposure to mold.
• Use air conditioning in the car or house and keep your windows closed
• Use a damp mop or rag to dust instead of dry ones.
• Wash your hands and change clothes immediately after touching animals.
• Keep pets outside of your home, especially the bedroom.
• Use hardwood, linoleum, or tiles instead of carpets since these are easy to keep dander-free.