Allergic rhinitis: Kerchoo!

Allergic rhinitis: Kerchoo!

Allergic rhinitis, also known as seasonal allergies, is an inflammation of the mucus membranes in the nose, sinuses and eyes. It is triggered by an overreaction of the immune system to an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis:

  • Nonseasonal or perennial allergic rhinitis, which occurs year round
  • Seasonal allergies or “hay fever”, which can start as early as spring and end in the fall.

Triggers

Allergies can be hereditary, but they can also develop at any moment in time, whether or not you have had allergies before.

Allergens

  • Nonseasonal allergic rhinitis is most often caused by dust mites and animal dander or saliva.
  • Seasonal allergies can be triggered by:
    - Tree pollen, usually in the spring
    - Grasses, mostly present in the summer (hay, wheat, corn)
    - Herbaceous plants, starting at the end of the summer and in the fall (grass, ragweed).

Allergens enter the bloodstream through the skin, nasal passages and mouth. They subsequently cause the immune system to react. To defend itself, the immune system releases a chemical substance, known as histamine, which causes the allergy symptoms.

Symptoms

Allergy and cold symptoms are quite similar, but unlike the common cold, allergies are not caused by a virus.

Most people suffering from allergic rhinitis will experience the following:

  • Itchy nose and eyes
  • Nasal discharge
  • Fits of sneezing
  • Nasal congestion to varying degrees
  • Red eyes
  • Watery eyes.

Diagnosis

If you are familiar with this symptoms and think you may be allergic to a particular substance, note the time and place when your symptoms are at their peak. This information will help to draw up a short list of possible culprits.

Treatment

Preventive measures

To prevent allergies, avoid coming into contact with the allergen.

A few tips to minimize symptoms

For dust mites:

For pollen, grasses and herbaceous plants:

  • Remove furniture, like stuffed chairs, that collect dust, and carpets.
  • Put special dust mite covers on mattresses.
  • Wash floors frequently.
  • Reduce air humidity.
  • Install a high-efficiency air filter.
  • Keep doors and windows closed.
  • Avoid mowing the lawn or going to areas where allergens are present, like parks or the woods.
  • Do not dry clothes on the clothesline.
  • Wear sunglasses when outdoors.

Medications for allergic rhinitis

  • Antihistamines: They attack the mechanism that causes the allergy. They relieve sneezing, nasal discharge and prickly eyes and throat.
  • Decongestants: They relieve nasal congestion. Often used with antihistamines, they are available as a syrup, tablets or nasal spray.

In-store health services

Before choosing a specific product, seek the advice of your pharmacist. He’s there to help!

Related articles

Did you find this article interesting? Recommend it to a friend!