Allergic Rhinitis
Last Update : 24-11-2023
Allergic Rhinitis
What is Allergy?
Allergy is an excessive reaction of the body to a substance that comes into contact with the body or enters the body through respiration or digestion. These reactions are necessary at normal levels to protect the body. However, in allergic individuals, the reactions are excessively harmful. The nose is one of the organs most affected by these allergic reactions.
Inflammation of the mucosa lining the inside of the nose is called rhinitis. If this inflammation is caused by allergic factors, it is called allergic rhinitis.
There are many known or unknown factors that can cause allergies. The most common among them are dust, pollen, mold fungi, some foods (milk, eggs, strawberries, etc.), chemicals, and pet epithelia.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, itching in the nose, throat, and palate, postnasal drip, a tickling sensation in the throat, chronic cough, middle ear pressure problems, sinusitis infections are more common in allergic individuals. Nasal growths (concha hypertrophy or polyps), asthma, and skin reactions can also be seen.
How is it Diagnosed?
When allergy is suspected, the most commonly performed test is the allergy skin test (skin prick test). However, if these tests come back negative, it does not mean that the patient does not have an allergy. There is a possibility that there may be a reaction to an allergen that was not tested or that an allergen does not cause an allergy when it enters through the skin but does when it enters through respiration. In addition to skin tests, the amount of a substance called IgE in the blood can be measured. The most important factor in making the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is the patient's complaints and examination findings. If the findings suggest an allergy, the patient is considered allergic. Skin tests and other blood tests are aimed at identifying the cause or causes (allergens) of the allergy. Even if these tests come back negative, the diagnosis of allergy can still be made, and treatment can be initiated.
How is Allergic Rhinitis Treated?
The most important step in treatment, if it can be identified, is to avoid the factors that cause the allergy. Avoiding allergens is the fundamental treatment method for allergic rhinitis. However, factors such as not always being able to identify the allergen, being allergic to multiple substances, or even if the allergen is identified, the patient cannot always stay away from it, make treatment more difficult. Nevertheless, there are some measures that the patient can take:
- Try to stay indoors as much as possible during the seasons when pollen is intense and keep doors and windows closed.
- Avoid being in dusty and smoky environments, and if necessary, wear a mask.
- Do not keep plants at home.
- Use specially prepared bed linen and sheets; if they cannot be obtained, wash all sheets and linens regularly with hot water.
- Make sure the vacuum cleaner does not emit dust.
- Stay away from furry toys.
- The patient should take precautions according to where and under what conditions they feel that their complaints started or worsened.
As for medication, the most commonly used drugs are called antihistamines, which are very beneficial. They are more effective when used before exposure to allergens. They are particularly effective for itching, runny nose, and sneezing.
Another group of drugs used in allergies is corticosteroids (cortisone). These drugs are more effective when taken by mouth or injected into the buttocks, but they are not used much due to their side effects. Therefore, they are used as nasal sprays. When used as a nasal spray, they have almost no side effects and are effective.
Another treatment method is immunotherapy, also called allergy shots. It involves giving the patient the substance they are allergic to, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it. This is based on the principle that the body does not show an allergic reaction to this substance by recognizing it. However, it does not always produce good results. It requires getting shots every week for years initially. Although good results are sometimes obtained, it is not always recommended.
If nasal growths (concha hypertrophy and/or nasal polyps) and chronic sinusitis occur due to allergies and cannot be treated with medication, surgery may be necessary.
For more detailed information and appointment procedures, you can reach us at 0 530 852 852 2 or email us at kbb@emreerkilet.com.tr.