Do you experience allergic rhinitis?
Over 24 million Americans experience the same. The problem with allergic rhinitis is you may not be aware you have it. All you know is you have continuous sneezing or coughing coupled with itchy eyes, nose, or throat.
The key to addressing the condition is to understand its nature. What is allergic rhinitis, and how can you treat it? Continue reading below for the answers.
Table of Contents
What is Allergic Rhinitis?
It is an inflammation affecting the nose due to an allergic reaction. Allergens like pollen, pet dander, dust mite feces, and indoor mold can trigger an allergic reaction.
Inhaling them prompts the immune system to produce Immunoglobulin E (IgE). It is an antibody releasing histamine, causing inflammation.
Allergic rhinitis also has three types. They are hay fever, perennial allergic rhinitis, and occupational rhinitis.
Plant pollens and other outdoor allergens cause hay fever or seasonal rhinitis. Meanwhile, mold, animal hair, and dust can trigger perennial rhinitis. This type of rhinitis can happen all year long.
People with occupational rhinitis get an allergic reaction from particles from their workplace. An example of someone at risk is a baker exposed to too much flour.
People with mild to moderate rhinitis also experience a stuffy and runny nose and headaches. Severe allergic reactions can lead to wheezing, tightness in the chest, and shortness of breath.
Others may develop sinusitis or abnormal tissue growth. Such cases may affect your sense of smell and cause facial pain, fullness, and toothaches.
How Do You Treat Allergic Rhinitis?
As seasonal allergies seem to get worse every year, many wonder if allergic rhinitis is curable. There is no cure for allergic rhinitis. What you can do is treat its symptoms through different methods.
The most popular way of managing the symptoms is taking antihistamines. They stop the body from producing histamine.
You can get OTC antihistamines from your local drug store. Some people experience allergies with asthma attacks. Treating the latter may involve a different set of drugs.
Check out arnuity ellipta if you prefer using prescription inhalers for asthma attacks. People with perennial allergic rhinitis may benefit from allergy shots or immunotherapy. It is a long-term treatment since it changes your immune response to allergens.
Preventing Allergic Rhinitis
The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis attacks is to manage them early. People allergic to tree pollen should take antihistamines when going outdoors during spring. Staying indoors or taking a quick shower immediately after coming home also helps.
Limit your dust mite exposure by mopping your floors instead of sweeping. Get a dehumidifier to reduce dust mites indoors.
Change and wash your bedding every week using hot water. Update your old pillows and pillowcases with allergen-blocking ones.
Invest in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter if you have carpets. Limit your access to pets, and never let them inside your room.
Go Beyond Treating Allergies
We hope our guide helped answer the question, “what is allergic rhinitis?” Use the knowledge to get a better perspective of the condition. You can tweak your lifestyle and avoid allergens more effectively.
Never stop treating allergies. Learn more about health and wellness through our other articles.
