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Allergic Rhinitis

The term rhinitis defines diseases that are caused by inflammation of the nasal membranes. In allergic rhinitis, this inflammation is the result of an allergic reaction triggered by airborne allergens landing on the lining of the nose during inhalation.

At what age?

Typically, the onset of allergic rhinitis is between 8 - 35 years of age. However, today it’s becoming more common in younger children and in adults over 40 years.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis attacks are characterised by outbursts of sneezing, itching of the nose, running nose or nasal blockage. In prolonged attacks, the nasal mucosa becomes very swollen which makes breathing through the nose very difficult (sometimes even impossible).  Some people also have headaches and an impaired sense of smell.

Some people can have symptoms for just a few days or weeks during the year (intermittent allergic rhinitis) either because they are exposed to the allergen for a short period of time (i.e. in case of pollen allergy) or because they have a mild form of the disease and the symptoms occur only when they come in contact with a high quantity of allergen. In others, the symptoms can be present all year round (persistent allergic rhinitis) particularly in people suffering from allergy to perennial allergens (such as house dust mites, animal allergens etc.).

In both situations the symptoms can be mild, causing almost no problems, or very severe, with effects on breathing and many other aspects of a person’s life.

Rhinitis is very often associated with asthma, sinusitis and otitis.

Very often people say that when their allergic rhinitis is bad their asthma gets worse. If you suffer from one of these conditions and they don’t get better despite the fact that you are following the best treatment, it might be because your rhinitis is not being treated properly. If this could be the case, it’s time to pay a visit to your doctor!

Practical advice for rhinitis sufferers

  • Try to stay away from the allergens that cause your problems as much as possible.
  • Avoid irritant substances such as tobacco smoke, strong perfumes or chemical fumes, especially during rhinitis flare-ups
  • Regardless of the severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms, consult a doctor. Untreated mild rhinitis can probably get worse.
  • If you want to feel well, take your treatment every day and for as long as your doctor has recommended.
  • Make sure that you know how to administer your medication correctly.

 

No hay, no fever - so why hay fever?

Allergic rhinitis caused by pollens is often known as hay fever which is a misnomer because in rhinitis there is no fever and the symptoms are not caused by hay but by grass pollens. It is therefore more correct to speak about allergic rhinitis or pollinosis.

Not every sneeze is an allergy

Sneezing, nasal blockage or a runny nose can be protective reflexes and not necessarily a sign of allergy. When irritating substances enter the nose, we try to remove them by coating them with a watery mucus which drains them out (as watery secretion) or by violently expelling them (sneezing). Also, the nose becomes blocked to prevent nasal breathing and more irritant getting into the nose.

Common colds manifest through the same symptoms, but usually there is also a sore throat and sometimes fever. However, remember that a common cold rarely lasts longer than 1-2 weeks! However colds cause more problems in allergic patients, particularly if they are exposed to their allergen at the same time.

By affecting breathing, which is a vital functions, allergic rhinitis can have a negative impact on the functioning of the whole body. Very often people suffering from allergic rhinitis complain of sleep disturbances (disturbed breathing causes troubled sleep) which makes them feel tired during the day and unable to concentrate properly.

Up to 50% of people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma.

Irritants don’t cause allergy but they do make it worse

Irritant substances make rhinitis symptoms (particularly nasal blockage) worse. This is because they are toxic and when breathed in they cause inflammation of the nasal membranes. This happens in all people, but in allergic rhinitis it adds to the inflammation caused by the allergen making it more severe.

Rhinitis doesn’t go away in just one week

Although your drugs may provide instant relief you still need weeks of treatment to manage your condition properly. Your symptoms will quickly return if you stop the treatment too early.