ALLERGIC RHINITIS

What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

• Allergic rhinitis consists of symptoms that occur after exposure to certain substances. This reaction is called an allergy. Allergiescan be seasonal (hay fever), especially in spring and fall for asensitivity to tree and grass pollens. Allergies can also occuryear-round (e.g., to pets or house dust mites). Having allergiestends to run in families. Allergies usually occur in peopleyounger than 20 but can develop at any age.Allergic rhinitis is not contagious and can be controlled.

What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?

• Irritants include smoke, smog, pollens, molds, and dust.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?

• The most common symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and runny, stuffed, and itchy nose. Other symptoms are headaches and pressure in the front of the face, and diffi culty sleeping.Long-term problems assocated with allergic rhinitis arenasal polyps (growths in the nose) and loss of the sense ofsmell.

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed?

• The doctor usually uses symptoms alone for diagnosis. The doctor may do skin tests to see which substances cause thesymptoms. In people with chronic cough, a lung function test may help rule out asthma.

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Treated?

• The best treatment usually involves reducing or avoiding exposure to substances causing symptoms (allergens), along withusing antihistamines, and nasal decongestants. Preventing symptomswith drugs and using a mask in areas of high exposure toallergens may also help. People who respond poorly to drugs mayget shots (injections, called desensitization). These injections ofan allergen are given in increasing doses to get the body to blockthe allergic reaction. Possible drug side effects include sleepiness(oral antihistamines), palpitations or changes in blood pressure(oral decongestants), and thinning of tissues in the nose (intranasalsteroids).Treatment by an allergist (a doctor trained in treating allergies)or an ear, nose, and throat specialist may be needed insevere or resistant cases.

• DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Allergic Rhinitis:

  ✔ DO avoid exposure to allergens. Close doors and windows,use air conditioning, and use special fi lters.

  ✔ DO avoid garden work (or wear a mask) if you are allergic to outdoor molds. Inside the house, use a dehumidifi er.

  ✔ DO replace carpets and drapes with fl ooring and roller blinds, enclose mattresses and pillows in plastic bags, add a HEPA fi lter to the vacuum cleaner, and wash bedding at high temperatures if you are allergic to dust mites.

  ✔ DO keep the pet outdoors, if possible, if allergic to a pet. Have another household member wash and brush the

  animal weekly.

  ✔ DO take your medicine as recommended.

  ✔ DO contact your doctor if symptoms become constant

  and keep you awake, if nasal discharge becomes thick and

  colored, or you have problems with medicines.

  ✔ DO work with your doctor to identify triggers of symptoms.

  Your doctor may refer you to an allergist for allergy shots, or to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for advice on

  long-term management.

  DON’T overuse nasal decongestants. These can have a rebound effect that produces the same symptoms as the

  allergy.

  DON’T expose yourself to cigarette smoke or irritating substances.

  DON’T forget to review your drugs and options with your doctor and pharmacist, especially if you take other medicines.