Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms
Rhinitis, also known as Hay Fever, refers to inflammation of the nasal passages. This inflammation can cause a variety of annoying symptoms, including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, runny nose, and post-nasal drip (the sensation that mucus is draining from the sinuses down the back of the throat).

Causes
Allergic rhinitis is caused by a nasal reaction to small airborne particles called allergens (substances that provoke an allergic reaction). In some people, these particles also cause reactions in the lungs (asthma) and eyes (allergic conjunctivitis). The immune system is designed to fight harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. But when you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system overreacts to harmless substances and release immune system chemicals causing a reaction that leads to the irritating signs and symptoms of hay fever.

Seasonal hay fever triggers include:

• Tree pollen, common in the spring
• Grass pollen, common in the late spring and summer
• Ragweed pollen, common in the fall
• Spores from fungi and molds, which can be worse during warm-weather months

Year-round hay fever triggers include:

• Dust mites or cockroaches
• Dander (dried skin flakes and saliva) from pets, such as cats, dogs or birds
• Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and mold. 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is based upon a physical examination and the symptoms described above. Medical tests can confirm the diagnosis and identify the offending allergens.

It is often possible to identify the allergens and other triggers that provoke allergic rhinitis by:

• Recalling the factors that precede symptoms
• Noting the time at which symptoms begin
• Identifying potential allergens in a person's home, work, and school environments.
• Skin tests and allergy blood tests may be useful for people whose symptoms are not well controlled with medications or in whom the offending allergen is not obvious

Treatment
The best hay fever treatment is to avoid the substances that cause the reaction. However, this isn't always possible, and additional treatment may be needed along with strategies to prevent exposure.

Lifestyle and home remedies to limit exposure:
Although you can't stay indoors during all pollen and ragweed seasons, avoiding peak exposure times can help. Use your air conditioner in your home and car, and wear a dust mask when working in the yard.

For year-round allergies, you can take the following measures.

• Get rid of carpets and upholstered furniture.
• Wash bedding every week in very hot water.
• Keep stuffed toys out of the bedroom.
• Cover pillows and beds with allergen-proof covers

Medication: For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash can help remove mucus from the nose. You can buy a saline solution at a drug store or make one at home using one cup of warm water, half a teaspoon of salt, and pinch of baking soda. Patients with intermittent symptoms are often treated adequately with oral antihistamines, decongestants, or both as needed. Regular use of an intranasal steroid spray may be more appropriate for patients with chronic symptoms.

Immunotherapy: This includes regular injections of the allergen. Each dose is slightly larger than the dose before it. Allergy shots may help the body adjust to the substance that is causing the reaction (antigen).

Medical acupuncture: Acupuncture offers a natural and effective treatment of allergic rhinitis, one which is free of unwanted side-effects. Fine needles are placed at strategic points for 15-20 minutes. Normally 5-15 treatments are needed for the ultimate therapeutic result.Christina