Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Hay fever or rAllergic hinitis is inflammation of the nasal cavity due to an allergic reaction. Allergic rhinitis could triggered by various types of allergens, such as pollen, dust, or animal dander.

Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction. This condition causes several symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy nose, and congestion. In addition, allergic rhinitis can also cause a rash on the skin, red and watery eyes, and a sore throat.

Allergic rhinitis can be prevented by avoiding exposure to triggering factors, such as dust or pollen. If symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur, your doctor may prescribe antihistamines and decongestants to relieve them.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Each allergy sufferer can experience different symptoms. Symptoms usually appear immediately after the patient is exposed to an allergy trigger (allergen). Some of the symptoms that can appear are:

  • Runny nose or stuffy nose.
  • Sneeze.
  • Eyes itchy or watery.
  • Swollen eyes and dark lower eyelids (panda eyes).
  • Itching of the mouth and throat.
  • A rash appears on the skin.
  • Weak.
  • Coughs.
  • Headache.
  • Sometimes causes sleep disturbances, especially in severe allergic rhinitis.

Children who suffer from allergic rhinitis can experience symptoms or ear problems, such as ear pain, ringing in the ears, infection with discharge from the middle ear (otitis media). They can also sneeze a lot in the morning.

Allergic rhinitis has symptoms similar to those of the flu. However, allergic rhinitis does not cause a fever like the flu. To distinguish between the two, consult a doctor.

When to go to the doctor

Generally, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are mild and easy to treat, but symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities can also occur. See a doctor immediately if:

  • Experiencing symptoms that feel very disturbing and do not get better.
  • Allergy medications taken are ineffective or can trigger annoying side effects.
  • Have other diseases that can make allergic rhinitis worse, such as sinusitis, asthma, or polyps in the nasal cavity.

If you have children and other family members have a history of allergies or asthma, consult your pediatrician regarding the possibility of developing asthma in children. In this condition, the doctor will provide an explanation of the first treatment if allergic rhinitis appears in children.

Causes of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by an abnormal immune system response to allergens or allergens. Under normal conditions, these substances are not harmful to the immune system. But in people who have allergies, the immune system will think these objects are dangerous until an allergic reaction occurs.

Allergic reactions in allergic rhinitis are triggered by the entry of the allergen into the nasal cavity. This allergic reaction will cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy nose.

There are a variety of allergens that can trigger an immune system reaction when inhaled through the nose, including:

  • Pollen
  • Mite
  • Fungal or mold spores
  • Dust
  • Animal skins and fur
  • Sawdust
  • Latex

Allergic rhinitis can be experienced by anyone, but there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk of developing allergic rhinitis. These risk factors include:

  • Hereditary factors, especially if the parents or siblings also have the same condition.
  • Have other types of allergies, such as asthma or atopic dermatitis.
  • Frequent exposure to cigarette smoke.

In addition to risk factors, there are several things that can make allergic rhinitis worse, including:

  • Cold temperature
  • Humid environment
  • Perfume or deodorant
  • Smoke and air pollution

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

The doctor will begin the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis by asking the patient's symptoms, as well as the patient's and family's medical history. The doctor will then examine the patient's nose to look for abnormalities that could be causing the symptoms.

The doctor will also examine the inside of the nose to determine if there are polyps in the nose. After performing a physical examination and symptoms, the doctor can perform a skin allergy test to determine the type of allergen that causes allergic rhinitis.

A skin allergy test is done by inserting the allergen into the skin, then waiting to see if an allergic reaction occurs or not. Through this test, the doctor can determine the type of allergen that triggers the allergy. That way, patients can avoid it in the future.

Doctors can also advise patients to undergo a blood test (RAST) as a supporting examination. A blood test is done to analyze the antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction. This blood test is usually done after a skin allergy test to confirm the results of the skin allergy test.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may advise the patient to undergo additional tests, such as:

  • Scan via X-ray or CT Scan
  • Nasal endoscopy

Pengobatan and PreventionAllergic Rhinitis

Treatment methods for allergic rhinitis vary, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how they affect the sufferer's life. But in general, avoiding allergy triggers is the main method of treating and preventing allergic rhinitis.

Here are some steps you can take to prevent allergic rhinitis:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you go outside.
  • Make it a habit to take a shower immediately after activities outside the house.
  • Clean the floor not only by sweeping but also mopping.
  • Bathe pets regularly 2 times a month.
  • Clean carpets or mats at home regularly.
  • Install a filter in the ventilation of the house if necessary.

Allergic rhinitis cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be relieved and controlled through appropriate treatment steps. Types of allergic rhinitis treatment that can be undertaken by sufferers are:

Omedicine

There are several types of drugs that doctors can give to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including:

  • Antihistamines

    Antihistamines can be taken by people with allergic rhinitis to reduce sneezing and relieve itchy and stuffy noses. Antihistamines can be taken in pill or nasal spray form.

  • Decongestants

    Decongestants are drugs that work to relieve nasal congestion. Decongestants can be taken as tablets or nasal sprays.

  • Corticosteroid spray

    Corticosteroids in the form of nasal sprays work to reduce the inflammatory reaction in the nose so that it can relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as itchy, red, and stuffy nose. An example of a drug of this class is triamcinolone nasal spray.

  • Eye drops

    Eye drops are used to relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the eye, such as red, sore, and watery eyes. Eye drops for allergic rhinitis should be used according to a doctor's prescription.

Dessentialization

This action is done by injecting the allergen into the patient's skin. Injections are carried out at certain time intervals (usually once a week), with increasing doses. The goal is to reduce the body's immune sensitivity to these allergens.

nasal irrigation (nasal irrigation)

This action is done to clean the nasal cavity by spraying or sucking a special liquid through the nose, then expelling it through the mouth.

Complications of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis that is not treated properly can lead to the following complications:

  • Decreased quality of life. Some people with allergic rhinitis are so severe that they need to be absent from work or school.
  • Exacerbation of asthma, for people with allergic rhinitis who also suffer from asthma.
  • Sinusitis, due to blockage of the nasal cavity.
  • Middle ear infection or otitis media, especially in children.
  • Fatigue, due to decreased quality of sleep.