What is an Allergic Rhinitis? Introduction Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that happens when your immune system overreacts to substances that you have inhaled, such as pollen. The two types of allergic rhinitis are seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs year-round. Hay fever is caused by outdoor allergens. Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis resemble a cold, but they are not caused by a virus the way a cold is. When you breathe in an allergen, your immune system springs into action. It releases substances known as IgEs into your nasal passages, along with inflammatory chemicals such as histamines. Your nose, sinuses, or eyes may become itchy and congested. Scientists arent sure what causes your immune system to overreact to an allergen. Allergic rhinitis is common, affecting about 1 in 5 Americans. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Many people who have allergic rhinitis also have asthma. Signs and Symptoms Allergic rhinitis can cause many symptoms, including the following: Stuffy, runny nose Sneezing Post-nasal drip Red, itchy, and watery eyes Swollen eyelids Itchy mouth, throat, ears, and face Sore throat Dry cough Headaches, facial pain or pressure Partial loss of hearing, smell, and taste Fatigue Dark circles under the eyes Causes The immune system is designed to fight harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. But when you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system overreacts to harmless substances -- like pollen, mold, and pet dander -- and launches an assault. This attack is called an allergic reaction. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen and mold spores. Sources include: Ragweed -- the most common seasonal allergen (fall) Grass pollen, in late spring and summer Tree pollen, in spring Fungus, mold growing on dead leaves, common in summer and fall Year-round allergic rhinitis may be triggered by: Pet dander Dust and household mites Cockroaches Molds growing on wall paper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery Risk Factors Family history of allergies Having other allergies, such as food allergies or eczema Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke Male gender Diagnosis Your doctor will ask about your family and personal history of allergy. You may be asked some of the following questions: Do symptoms change depending on the time of day or the season? Do you have a pet? Have you made changes to your diet? Are you taking any medications? Your doctor will do a physical exam and may also recommend a skin test to find out what you are allergic to. In a scratch test, for example, small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin with a needle prick or scratch. If there is an allergy, the area will become swollen and red. Sometimes a blood test may be used to find out which allergens you react to. With young children, it can help to watch what they do. For example, a child with allergic rhinitis may wiggle his nose and push it upward with the palm of the hand. Prevention The best way to control your symptoms is to avoid being exposed to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. These steps may help. If you have hay fever, during days or seasons when airborne allergens are high: Stay indoors, and close the windows. Use an air conditioner in your home and car. Avoid using fans that draw in air from outdoors. Dont hang laundry outside to dry. Bathe or shower and change your clothes after being outside. Use a HEPA air filter in your bedroom. If you have year-round allergies: Cover your pillows and mattress with dust mite covers. Remove carpet and install tile or hardwood floors. Use area rugs and wash them often in very hot water. Use blinds instead of curtains. Keep pets out of the bedroom. Use a HEPA filter on your vacuum. Use an air purifier. Wash bedding and toys such as stuffed animals in very hot water once a week. https://facebook/narciso.rey.9
Posted on: Sun, 23 Mar 2014 09:58:35 +0000
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