An allergen causes an allergic reaction to the body. Allergic rhinitis is a common allergic condition, almost 10%-30% population worldwide have allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs during the fall, summer, or spring season. Pollen is carried away in the air during this period. People allergic to pollen may have seasonal allergic rhinitis. Allergens like dried skin flakes, urine, and saliva of the pets, mold, dust mites can also be the reason for allergic rhinitis known as perennial allergic rhinitis.
Symptoms of SAR
Symptoms that occur contacting with allergen include:
- Itchy nose, mouth, throat, and other body parts.
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Fatigue
- Headache
Risk factors for allergic rhinitis
Having a history of allergy in the family may be caused allergy rhinitis. Eczema and asthma may also develop the risk of allergic rhinitis.
External factors that involve the risks of allergic rhinitis include:
- Cigarette smoke
- Chemicals
- Humidity
- Air pollution
- Perfumes
- Colognes
- Fumes
Treatment of SAR
- The treatment that helps in seasonal allergic rhinitis is to avoid pollen. Herbs like chamomile and echinacea may cause an allergic reaction to those who have allergies related to plants. People who have allergies related to bee products may avoid honey pollen, bee pollen. It may increase the risk of developing allergic rhinitis. Doctors may prescribe medicines according to your symptoms, age, and severity of the conditions. The treatment of SAR include:
Antihistamines: medicines like antihistamines help in allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines nasal spray treats well during an allergic reaction.
Some well-known OTC antihistamines include:
- Fexofenadine(Allegra)
- Diphenhydramine(Benadryl)
- Cetrizine(Zyrtec)
- Loratadine(Claritin)
Corticosteroids: nasal corticosteroids spray is an effective medicine for allergic rhinitis. It is safe to use for adults and children.
Decongestants: it is also helpful in soothing the nasal stuffiness.
OTC decongestants include:
- Oxymetazoline(Afrin nasal spray)
- Phenylephrine(Sudafed PE)
Patients with a history of abnormal heart rhythm, heart disease, stroke, sleep disorder should consult a doctor before using a decongestant.
Immunotherapy: In case of severe allergy, doctors recommend immunotherapy or allergy shots.
Sublingual Immunotherapy: it is using in treating rhinitis and asthma caused by grass, tree pollen, cat dander, ragweed. Side-effects include itching in the mouth, ear and, throat. In some cases, SLIT may cause anaphylaxis.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health(NCCIH) has suggested treatments that help in treating seasonal allergies include:
- Acupuncture
- Nasal Saline Irrigation
- Butterbur Supplements
- Honey
- Probiotics
To prevent allergies doctors may perform several tests before prescribing medicines.
- Skin prick test: helps in finding out the particles the person is allergic to.
- The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) is a blood test to check the presence of allergy in a person’s blood.
Complications related to allergic rhinitis
Complications that may occur due to allergic rhinitis
- Sleeplessness
- Asthma symptoms
- Ear infections
- Sinus infections
- Drowsiness
Children develop allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs in children before the age of 10. Symptoms like allergic conjunctivitis develop in children. if there is any sign of wheezing and difficulty breathing, consult a doctor immediately, as the child may develop asthma.
Preventing allergies
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is not fatal. It can be observed and managed with the help of proper medications.
- During peak pollen hours it is good to avoid the outdoors.
- Avoid outdoor exercise in the early hours.
- Allergic to dust mites can be controlled only by removing dirts from the room.
- While working outside a mask is important to cover the mouth and nose.
Suresh Hospital’s ../department of Allergy and Immune System
Suresh Hospitals conduct an accurate diagnosis to control allergic conditions including anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, food, and skin allergy. Tests like skin prick tests, immunotherapy are done with great care. Our efficient nurses and experienced staffs are always there to look after the well-being of the patients.