Understanding allergic rhinitis and its impact, symptoms and prevention
Allergic rhinitis is an immune response of the nasal mucosa to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, and dander. It may be seasonal or perennial and is influenced by genetics. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, itching, and congestion, with phases of acute and delayed responses. Clinical signs such as a nasal crease and eyelid swelling help diagnosis. Complications include sinusitis, nasal polyps, and asthma. Management focuses on allergen avoidance through hygiene measures, environmental control, and dietary adjustments.
Nose: Functions and Protection While the nose functions as an organ for olfaction (smell), it also has a role in respiration, protection from dust, humidifying inhaled air and providing a resonance to your voice. Alongside, it traps microorganisms and debris, and any pathology can harm the normal functioning of the nose.(Image: canva)
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Cause: Immunological Response An immunological response of the mucosa of your nose to allergens in the air can be a result of allergic rhinitis. It may either be seasonal, where the symptoms can appear in a certain season, especially when pollens are predominant in the environment. They affect individuals who are sensitive to such pollen. Others may be perennial, where the symptoms are present throughout the year.(Image: canva)
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Types of Allergens Allergens range from pollens released through trees, grasses and weeds, to molds, dander from animals, and cockroaches. Others include dust mites, that may house themselves on your beddings, mattresses, carpets, upholstery or even pillows. Genetics also play a role in predisposing an individual to allergic rhinitis.(Image: canva)
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Phases of Allergic Response An allergic response may occur in two phases — an acute or early phase, which occurs under five to thirty minutes. On exposure to the specific allergen, it can result in sneezing, discharge from the nose, a feeling of your nose being blocked and a spasm of the bronchospasm.(Image: canva)
Delayed Allergic Response A late or delayed response presents two to eight hours after you have been exposed to the allergen. This causes swelling and congestion at the site where the antigen is deposited. When the exposure happens repeatedly, the acute and late phase symptoms begin to overlap.(Image: canva)
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Onset and Sneezing Episodes Often, the onset of allergic rhinitis occurs usually around 12–16 years, but may be seen in infants as well. One of the most common symptoms of seasonal nasal allergy is paroxysmal sneezing/ the person affected may begin sneezing ten to twenty times at a time.(Image: canva)
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Common Associated Symptoms Other symptoms include watery discharge from the nose and itching. Itching may not be limited to the nose, and may be seen in the eyes, the palate and pharynx as well. Frequent colds, a stuffy nose that persists and a loss of the sense of smell may point one towards allergic rhinitis.(Image: canva)
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Clinical Signs Observed Certain signs may be observed by the doctor to confirm the diagnosis. A transverse crease on the nose may be seen because of upward rubbing of the nose, known as the allergic salute. There may also be swelling of the eyelids and redness in the conjunctiva.(Image: canva)
Complications of Prolonged Allergy Prolonged nasal allergy may cause recurrent inflammation of the sinuses, formation of nasal polyps, and inflammation of the middle ear. Orthodontic problems may be seen, along with bronchial asthma. It has been found that people with nasal allergy are four times more likely to have asthma.(Image: canva)
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Treatment and Allergen Avoidance Avoiding the allergens is an important part of the treatment, and it may be highly beneficial if there is only one allergen involved. Wearing a mask, covering the pillow and the mattress with plastic sheet, or a change of work place may be needed. If you are allergic to a particular food item, it must be avoided.(Image: canva)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
