Allergic-induced inflammation of the mucosa lining the inside of the nose is called allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens adhere to the airway mucosa in the nose and initiate inflammatory reactions. When the immune system first encounters the allergen that enters the body, no clinical findings occur because specific antibodies are not produced against this substance when the allergen is first encountered. At the first contact, these special antibodies are produced, and at the second contact, the immune system reacts to this situation and thus allergy symptoms appear. It manifests itself with sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion, and itching of the eyes, nose and palate is often experienced. It can occur at any age. It lasts a lifetime, but its effect decreases with older ages. Allergic rhinitis is usually seen in people with a predisposition to allergies. People with a family history of allergic rhinitis are also more likely to experience it. Other allergic diseases (eczema, urticaria, asthma) are also more common in these people.
There are two types of allergic rhinitis;
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis: It is popularly known as hay fever. It occurs in certain seasons throughout the year and is caused by outdoor allergens. In dry and windy weather, the amount of pollen is high and the incidence increases at these times. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused by tree pollens that appear especially in the spring months.
- Long-term allergic rhinitis that occurs throughout the year: This allergic rhinitis is called perrenial rhinitis; It occurs with house dust and mites, nutritional allergens (dyed drinks and foods), animal dander, mold, cockroaches and various chemicals. Feeding animals such as dogs, cats and birds at home increases the severity of allergies.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis and cold symptoms are similar. However, while the common cold is caused by a virus, allergic rhinitis is not caused by a virus. If the symptoms include no fever and a thin, liquid nasal discharge, this is allergic rhinitis. But if the nasal discharge is more yellow, there is aches in the body and there is a fever, this is a symptom of a cold. Allergic rhinitis begins immediately after contact with the allergen, and occurs a few days after contracting the cold virus. Cold is short-lived While it is a disease, allergic rhinitis continues as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are as follows;
- Watery eyes and itching
- Runny nose and nose. congestion
- Sneezing
- Post-nasal drip
- Itching in the throat, nose and upper palate
- Swelling of the under-eyes and eyelids, formation of dark circles under the eyes
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Pressure in the sinuses (feeling of pressure) and facial pain
- Headache
- Smell and taste disorders
- Partial hearing loss
- Fatigue and sleep disorder
- Hand injuries, which are frequently encountered especially in pediatric diseases. bringing it to the nose and scratching it
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Treatment of allergic rhinitis is aimed at eliminating the complaints, and this condition cannot be eliminated by treatment. The most important element in diagnosing this disease is the patient's history. To make a diagnosis, he first examines the symptoms seen in the patient. It is questioned in which season, what was encountered and how the symptoms appeared. You are asked if there is anyone in your family who has this disease. During the physical examination, other points on the patient's nasal mucosa are examined. There are many diagnostic tests to diagnose allergic rhinitis, such as the antibody IgE test. Among these tests, allergy tests applied to the skin are among the most commonly used methods. However, even if these tests are negative, the symptoms seen in the patient may be sufficient to diagnose allergic rhinitis.
In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, avoiding allergens that trigger the symptoms and drug treatment are important. Drug treatment generally includes nasal sprays containing antihistamines and cortisone, which reduce the effect of the allergen. Antihistamine medications help reduce symptoms such as itching, sneezing and discharge. In addition to drug treatment, allergen and vaccine treatment is also possible. Since this method will be applied to people with suitable conditions and allergens, it must be performed by an expert. In addition to all these treatment methods, surgical treatment may also be appropriate in some cases. Surgical treatment is performed for problems such as nasal contusions, sinusitis and polyps caused by allergies. Nose By surgically removing edematous and polyponic tissues that block the air flow, allergen and mucosa contact is reduced and at the same time, the allergen is removed from the body along with mucus.
What Those with Allergic Rhinitis Should Do
- Allergic rhinitis disease. People with this condition should stay away from dusty and pollen environments.
- Doors and windows should be kept closed when there is seasonal pollen. In houses with central heating, attention should be paid to the cleanliness of the air in the room due to the dryness of the air and air humidifiers should be available.
- Air conditioning filters should be changed regularly.
- Feeding furry animals and plants at home should be avoided.
- Items such as carpets and rugs that may contain dust should not be kept at home.
- Cotton and synthetic products should be preferred. Especially furry and woolen products trigger allergic rhinitis more.
- You should not smoke and stay away from smoking environments.
- You should exercise regularly every day.
- A balanced diet should be taken and care should be taken to consume foods rich in vitamins.
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