Rhinitis is an allergic reaction to small particles, known as allergens, present in the air. These particles are harmless, however, pollen is the most common allergen causing seasonal rhinitis. Also known as hay fever, rhinitis affects your nose and is not contagious. The nose produces a thin and clear fluid called mucus. Mucus helps to keep debris, dust, and allergens out of the lungs. It traps airborne particles, like pollen, dust, viruses, and bacteria. This drains down back in the throat. When there is inflammation in the nose, it produces more mucus that may begin to flow from the front and back of the nose; thus, causing symptoms of rhinitis. It is a temporary condition and goes away within a few days. It can be chronic.
Types of Rhinitis Treatments
Includes antihistamines, nasal sprays, immunotherapy, and surgical options for chronic rhinitis.
Types of Rhinitis Treatment India
The first and best approach is to avoid exposure to dust mites and stay indoors when pollen is at its peak. The other prevention steps include:
01. For the bedroom, use mite-proof covers for pillows, duvets, and comforters.
- For the bedroom, use mite-proof covers for pillows, duvets, and comforters.
- Wash bed-sheets and other bedding frequently in hot water
- Do not dry clothes outdoors as pollen may cling to them
- Wash hands immediately after coming in contact with animals
When these prevention steps fail to reduce the symptoms, the doctor may consider other methods, including:
- Antihistamines - It is commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis and can be taken as a nasal spray or by mouth. It helps to relieve sneezing or itching in the eyes and nose, reduces runny nose and nasal stuffiness. These medicines lower the effects of histamine, released by the immune system when allergens enter the body. These medications can cause drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol when on antihistamines as it may trigger sedation side effects.
- Decongestants - These medications can be taken by mouth, nasal spray, or drops. It helps to shrink the lining of nasal passages thus relieves nasal stuffiness. It should be used for a short period only - no longer than three days. Using it for a long time can cause effects like symptoms that can get worse once you stop taking them. These medicines can increase blood pressure and cause irritability, headaches, and trouble sleeping. Consult your doctor before using decongestants if you have an arrhythmia, heart disease, anxiety, history of stroke, high blood pressure, bladder issue, or sleep disorder.
- Nasal Corticosteroids - It is an effective drug class to treat allergic rhinitis and can reduce sneezing, nasal congestion, itching, and a runny nose. They are used in nasal spray form, to avoid spraying it in the center of the nose. Its side effects are nasal bleeding and irritation.
- Other Nasal Sprays - There are many saline nasal sprays available to tackle the symptoms such as thick nasal mucus or dry nasal. These sprays can be used as often as required.
- Immunotherapy - It is recommended for people who have chronic allergen exposure and do not respond well to other treatments. It is an effective procedure to control allergic symptoms but cannot relieve the symptoms produced by non-allergic rhinitis.
It can be used with other treatment plans or medicines. These shots help to reduce the response of the immune system.
Immunotherapy is categorized into two types - allergy shots and sublingual tablets.
01. Allergy Shots - It requires a long-term treatment plan, 3 to 4 years. It consists of injections of a small diluted allergy extract. These allergens are enough to stimulate the immune system but do not cause chronic allergic reactions. The amount of dosage is increased in intervals until a maintenance dose is reached. It begins with the buildup phase, in which the doctor will give you a shot 1 to 3 times per week for about 6 months. The next phase is the maintenance phase, in which the doctor will give you a shot every two to four weeks for 3 to 5 years. There will be improved results after the maintenance phase begins and chances are that allergy symptoms will be faced. After each shot, the doctor may ask you to wait for 30 to 45 minutes in the office to ensure that there is no life-threatening reaction to it. It can be used to control symptoms caused by seasonal allergies, indoor allergens, and insect stings.
02. Sublingual Tablets - It was approved by the FDA in 2014. The patient needs to dissolve a prescribed tablet that is a mixture of several allergens, under the tongue daily before allergy season begins. The first dose will be taken in the doctors office. This treatment can continue for 3 years. The possible side effects of the tablet include itching in the mouth, ear, and throat.
Diagnosis of Rhinitis Treatment India
Rhinitis Symptoms
When an allergen is inhaled, the bodies immune system may react with one or more of these symptoms. There are some symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches that occur after long-term exposure to allergens. The symptoms include:
01. Runny nose
02. Congested nose
03. Mucus in throat
04. Irritation in nose and eyes
05. Sneezing
06. Coughing
07. Sore throat
08. Itchy and watery eyes
09. Recurrent headaches
10. Fatigue
11. Dry or itchy skin
Diagnosis of Rhinitis
For minor allergies, the doctor will perform a physical examination and may perform certain tests as well.
01. A skin prick test is a common test performed to check allergy. The doctor will place several allergens or substances on the skin to check how the body reacts. A small red bump will appear if you have an allergy to any substance when kept on your skin. The results will be known within 10 to 20 minutes.
02. A blood test or RAST (Radioallergosorbent test) is performed to check the immune systems response to allergens by measuring the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies in the blood. The blood sample is sent to a lab to test for evidence of sensitivity.
Symptoms and Risk factors
Rhinitis Causes
When allergens enter your body through the nose or mouth, the bodies immune system recognizes it as an intruder and reacts to it by releasing a natural chemical known as histamine. This chemical triggers mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, and throat to become itchy and inflamed as they fight the allergen. There are several outdoor and indoor allergens responsible for hay fever. Common allergens include mold, dust mites, pollen from plants and trees, and animal dander. There are two types of rhinitis, seasonal and perennial.
- Seasonal - These allergic-rhinitis occur in summer, spring, and early fall. It is caused by pollen from grass, trees, weeds, and airborne mold spores.
- Perennial - It is caused by mold, cockroaches, dust mites, or pet hair. People can have symptoms year-round.
Food allergies can also be the reason for inflammation in the throat and nose. If you doubt having food allergies, consult your doctor as it can be life-threatening.
