Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a condition characterized by spasmodic attacks of severe sneezing and rhinorrhea. It is an allergic reaction affecting the nose. It is a reaction to certain allergens. The other names of the disease are hay fever, nasal allergy.

Causes and risk factors

The allergens cause sensitization in the body which led to formation of reaginic antibodies. Allergens and antibodies react in the body. Histamine is released which is responsible for development of allergic reaction such as sneezing, watering of nose, etc. Allergens are the precipitating factors for allergic rhinitis. They can be exogenous or endogenous. Exogenous include – inhalants like dust, pollens, animal dander, molds, house dust, and mites; ingestants – foods like eggs, fish, milk, citrus fruits, cocoa; contactants like cosmetics, powders; irritants like fumes, smoke; certain drugs; infectious agents like bacteria, fungi, viruses. Endogenous factors include intestinal helminths, tissue proteins, etc. Allergic rhinitis is of 2 clinical types – seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs due to pollen grains at the time of pollination. Perennial type affects the patient throughout the year. It occurs between the age group of 15-40 years. The disease can be hereditary. Hormonal changes can cause the disease as it is prominent at puberty and during pregnancy. Humidity, pollution make the nose susceptible to allergy. Emotional or psychological cause is also responsible for allergic rhinitis.

Clinical presentation

Sneezing is the main feature of allergic rhinitis. It may be paroxysmal sneezing of recurrent type. It exhausts the patient. Irritation in the nose is present. Rhinorrhea (nasal discharge) is watery and copious. Nasal obstruction occurs due to venous stasis. Anosmia, i.e., loss of smell occurs intermittently or continuously. Headache can be present. Fatigue, irritability is present. Mucous membranes of the nose become edematous. Mucosa appears pale.  It may develop bluish purplish color due to venous stasis. The discharge becomes purulent. Nasal polyps may develop. There is involvement of paranasal sinuses with formation of pseudocysts. Allergic salute is the classical sign of allergic rhinitis. Itching and rhinorrhea leads the patient to lift up the nose with his palm, which appears as salute. It may lead to horizontal crease on dorsum of the nose, superior to the tip of nose. This is known as Darier’s line. Accompanied symptoms include itching and watering of eyes, nose, middle ear blockage, allergic pharyngitis, attacks of bronchospasm (asthma).

Investigation

Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. History of exposure to pets, other allergens, or diet changes can be indicative. Routine hemogram is done. CBC or complete blood count with raised eosinophils (white blood cells) suggests an allergy. Nasal secretions may be tested. Allergy test helps to identify the allergen. Special blood tests help diagnose allergy. The RAST (radioallergosorbent test) test is used to measure the levels of specific allergy-related substances called immunoglobulins, especially immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Treatment

Avoidance of allergy-causing substances is the best treatment.  Complete avoidance might not be possible, but reduced exposure may help in treating the condition. Specific desensitization is performed with specific vaccines or inhalants which will help in treatment. Symptomatic treatment consists of anti-histaminic drugs, steroids, nasal decongestants. Corticosteroid injections may be required locally. Surgery may be required.

Other Modes of treatment

The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating allergic rhinitis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the Ayurvedic system of medicine, which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates, is also found to be effective in treating allergic rhinitis.

 

IMAGE

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GO FURTHER

The Best Of Health, wellness & Fitness Delivered To Your Inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest product updates, information & exclusive offers