Back

Allergic rhinitis – how to recognize it and how to treat it

News

22.03.2021

Allergic rhinitis – how to recognize it and how to treat it

Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease but often remains unrecognized and untreated, as patients mistake it for mild cold and/or conjunctivitis to seek appropriate medical attention. Unlike viral infections, the secretion of rhinitis is clear and watery, and there is itching, which is not characteristic of colds and flu. Modern lifestyle, environmental pollution, and industrial development have led to a drastic increase in the number of people suffering from allergic rhinitis in recent years, which requires improvement of awareness among the population to recognize the symptoms and apply timely treatment.

What are the symptoms?

The disease’s most common symptoms are a stuffy, runny nose, itching, sore throat, red and watery eyes, and difficult breathing. The presence of several of these issues is an excellent reason to seek medical help from an allergist for diagnosis and timely treatment, which is extremely important because about half of patients with untreated allergic rhinitis develop subsequent bronchial asthma. Allergic rhinitis also worsens the lower respiratory tract symptoms and accompanies a considerable percentage of people with asthma.

Untreated allergic rhinitis has other negative effects on the body:

  • Memorizing concentration difficulty;
  • Sleep problems – difficulty falling asleep, inability to sleep properly and recovery, violation of all sleep parameters;
  • Disability.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Some of the factors leading to the development of allergic rhinitis are related to the external environment. Pollen is a common cause, which explains the complication of the disease during the spring-summer season, but the notion that this rhinitis is caused only by pollen is completely wrong. Other allergens can also be molds, fungi, insects, mites, animal dandruff.

Other factors for the development of allergic rhinitis are genetic predispositions and family history. It is known that if a parent has allergic rhinitis, the probability of the child developing it is up to 50%.

Additional aggravating factors are a baby born too early, low birth weight, and hormonal preparations during pregnancy. Occupational factors can also cause allergic rhinitis.

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on diagnostic tests and medical history. Doctors have several diagnostic methods and tools at their disposal to reject or confirm the diagnosis. A timely examination by an allergist saves many future problems. There are safe, affordable, and effective treatments – antihistamines. Nasal corticosteroids are also useful in controlling the disease. Lasting treatment of the problem can be achieved through allergen immunotherapy, in which the body gradually receives increasing doses of the allergen to get used to it. This treatment requires patience and takes time.

Of course, it is necessary to strive to avoid allergens when possible – to prevent moisture and mold at home; replacement of bed linen with one protected from mites; limiting leaving the house between 5 and 10 a.m., especially on windy days in the presence of pollen; isolation from pets and not allowing intimacy with people raising one.

Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem with an increasing systemic frequency, which raises a number of questions about the need to diagnose it and prescribe treatment. The team of allergists at Medical Center “Hera” will help you take the first and most crucial step towards dealing with the problem. You can make an appointment for your examination by calling 0882 441 433 and 02 404 8656.

Полезна ли беше тази статия за Вас?

Да Не

Благодарим за обратната връзка!

Подобни публикации

News

06.10.2024

All about endometriosis

News

01.01.1970

Inflamed nerve - causes, symptoms, treatment

News

01.01.1970

Season Change: The Culprit Behind Stomach Pain

clinical-researches-d clinical-researches-m

Clinical reasearches

Медицински център Хера – клон Монтана провежда клинични проучвания в редица терапевтични области. Нашите обучени специалисти са готови да предоставят детайлна информация относно стъпките, през които минава целият процес на дадено клинично проучване.

Learn more