Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, or what is called hay fever, means inflammation of the membrane lining the nose as a result of the patient inhaling an element that causes allergies and affects his ability to sleep or concentrate, which leads to the occurrence of several symptoms in the patient, where coughing is one of the most important of these symptoms.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include

• cough
• sneeze
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Puffiness under the eyes
• Itchy eyes, mouth, nose, skin and throat
• Sore throat
• Redness of the eyes

What are the causes of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is caused by a person’s allergic reaction and can be the result of several causes:

• Pollen exposure
• Exposure to allergens such as animal dander, dust, smoke or odors.
• The likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis increases if there is a family history of allergic rhinitis.

However, nasal allergies persist throughout the duration of exposure to the irritant

Complications of allergic rhinitis

• Nasal polyps are benign tumors that affect the lining of the nose and cause chronic inflammation and may block airflow in the nose, making it difficult to breathe
• Having sinusitis in the form of an infection or inflammation
• Having a middle ear infection
• Poor sleep quality
• Feeling overwhelmed and tired
• It makes the sufferer less productive and the symptoms may intensify and cause them to be unable to work.

Simple daily steps can help reduce your risk of getting the disease

If you suffer from hay fever allergic rhinitis, avoiding exposure to the allergens that cause your symptoms is the best thing you can do

• Stay away from allergens such as dust, dirt, wind and animals
• Keep your sheets and pillows clean
• Cleaning and minimizing furniture in the patient’s room
• Keeping clothes in a locked closet

When should I seek medical help?

A visit to your doctor is recommended in these cases:

• If symptoms are severe
• Loss of symptom control within 2-4 weeks
• Failure to respond to treatment
• Lack of productivity and inability to perform daily tasks.
• Having side effects

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose the injury based on your symptoms by:

• Family history screening
• Checking the inside of the nose for swellings
• Using a nasal speculum
• Skin prick test
• Allergy blood test

How is the disease treated?

Treatment for allergic rhinitis is based on relieving the symptoms without treating the allergy:

• Drug therapy as prescribed by your doctor, which includes “antihistamines, steroid spray, and decongestants”
• A saline solution can be used to clean the nose if the injury is mild.

 

 

Sources:
1. Medlineplus, Translation of Allergic rhinitis, August 25, 2020, [electronic version], available at:
https://bit.ly/32ftz8e
2. Saudi Ministry of Health, Allergic rhinitis, Muharram 17/1441, [electronic version], available at:
https://bit.ly/2FldyVr
3. King Abdullah Arabic Encyclopedia of Health Content, Nasal Allergy Prevention, 10/30/2017, [electronic version], available at:
https://bit.ly/35qdXk4