Allergic Rhinitis
WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Allergic rhinitis is caused by the nose coming into contact small airborne particles called environmental allergen(s) such as grass pollens (when it is known as hayfever), tree pollens, house dust mites, animal hair and moulds.
WHO GETS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
It can begin at any age though most people first develop symptoms in childhood or young adulthood. Children < 2 rarely have allergic rhinitis symptoms, and adults rarely develop allergic rhinitis symptoms for the first time, without having had symptoms as children.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Nose:
- Runny Nose
- Congested Nose
- Itchy Nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Facial pressure or pain
Eyes:
- Itchy Eyes
- Watery, red eyes
- Swelling and blueness of the skin below the eyes
Throat & Ears:
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
- Itchy throat
Ears:
- Congesting or popping of the ears
- Itchy ears
IS THERE A RANGE OF SYMPTOMS?
- Mild to severe: Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms do not affect day to day function whereas severe symptoms can. Patients may experience periods when they have no symptoms at all.
- Seasonal or All-year: Symptoms may occur in a particular season (usually due to grass, weed or tree pollens) or are persistent and present throughout the year (usually caused by allergies to house dust mites, moulds or animal hairs).
- Age-related changes: Symptoms are often at their worst in children (age > 2) and in people in their 30s or 40s. As we age, symptoms usually gradually become less severe.
- Symptoms from non-allergy stimuli: with continued allergen exposure, people may notice that they also develop allergy symptoms from non-allergic causes such as cold air, fumes, perfumes, etc.
N.B. Allergic rhinitis is not caused by food allergies.
CAN OTHER CONDITIONS PRESENT AS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Symptoms may be similar to those caused by non-allergic rhinitis or an upper respiratory tract infection (eg colds and flu), however allergic symptoms persist unless treated appropriately.
Up to 50% of patients with A. rhinitis also have asthma, and up to 80% of people with asthma may have rhinitis.
Improved control of allergic rhinitis has been shown to give better asthma control in both adults and children.
ARE THERE ANY COMPLICATIONS?
Complications may include:
- Sleep disturbance / Poor Quality Sleep
- Daytime tiredness
- Headaches
- Poor concentration
- Asthma which is more difficult to control
How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?
The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is based upon the symptoms described above, and physical examination.
Medical tests can confirm the diagnosis and identify the offending allergens.
Such medical tests include:
- Allergy blood tests
- Skin prick testing
What treatment options are available to manage allergic rhinitis?
Treatment options available to manage allergic rhinitis include:
- Allergen avoidance techniques
- Medications
- Nasal medications
- Oral medications
- Allergen specific immunotherapy, known as desensitization, or immunotherapy
- Sub-cutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)
- Sub-lingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)
CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS?
To know more, Reach out to the Best ENT doctor in Dubai here at Tarabichi Healthcare. Our team will connect you with the Best Ent Specialist in Dubai. for more details.
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