Posted on August 31, 2023
Sneezing and a persistent runny nose are typical symptoms of the common cold, as well as symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Let’s take a look at how to distinguish between a simple cold and allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Symptoms include itching, nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose. It does not occur with fever or muscle pain. It appears suddenly and usually subsides with antihistamines. It usually occurs within a year. specific time in the spring or autumn. These symptoms are also usually almost always accompanied by conjunctivitis and often influence the development of bronchial asthma. Instead, a cold begins gradually, causing general malaise, fever or low-grade fever, and is improved by antipyretics or analgesics.
What causes allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs in a very high proportion and is caused by an allergy to certain substances that we inhale: dust mites, different pollens, fungi, animals or substances handled at work. It can be seasonal or perennial. Seasonal ones generally appear in childhood and are directly related to the concentration of pollen in the environment. That’s why there are more cases of allergic rhinitis in the spring, a time when pollen levels increase, especially grasses, and we spend more time outdoors after harsh winters. Mites are also the top allergens that cause rhinitis. These small arthropods that are invisible to the naked eye are everywhere. For example, when we open a book or move old paper, when we shake the carpet or sofa cushion, we start sneezing because of mites. will come out, and we stop sneezing only when we leave the room or go out into the street, that is, when we stop coming into contact with the allergen that caused the symptoms.
what to do to reduce symptoms
The consequences of climate change, high temperature and water shortage are mainly conducive to the advance or delay of pollination. For this reason, we must check the pollen status throughout the year, especially the seasonal changes in spring and autumn, avoid contact with allergens, start preventive treatment, and try to Reduces symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is also convenient to make certain changes in the home, such as reducing the dust in the home as much as possible, which reduces mites, installing air filters in electrical equipment that needs it (oven, air conditioner, range hood, vacuum cleaner), using a dehumidifier to dry the house If possible, remove rugs and keep areas where pets sleep and eat clean.
How to know if we are allergic
The only way to know if you are allergic to pollen and to diagnose rhinitis is through a skin test. The method is very simple. A few drops containing specific amounts of allergens to which we may be sensitive are placed on the skin of the arm, pricked into the skin with a small lancet, and then wait 15 or 20 minutes to watch for a skin reaction. We can also do a blood test to more accurately look for the presence of specific antibodies against that allergen. Once the type of allergen to which we are sensitive has been diagnosed, the only treatment that can change the cause and control its evolution is vaccination.
There are also medications that can improve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as nasal sprays with corticosteroids or antihistamines, oral antihistamines, or decongestants, but these types of medication must always be used under the supervision of a specialist, Because some of these drugs, such as vasoconstrictors, they can have a rebound effect, even addictive, or in other cases, not have the desired effect because they are not given at the correct dose and duration.
For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash can help clear mucus from the nose, remove pollen, dust, and debris, and keep the nostrils moist. They sell saline solutions in pharmacies.
Questions and questions about this or any other allergy-related issues may arise. From here on, we’ll try to provide an answer to each question.