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| Do not take allergic rhinitis trivial, recognize the symptoms and how to deal with them |
Allergic rhinitis or rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal cavity due to an allergic reaction. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy nose, congestion, runny nose, and itchy throat. In order not to interfere with daily activities, allergic rhinitis should be relieved in an appropriate way.
Allergic rhinitis is a disorder of the immune response to substances that trigger allergies (allergens). These substances do not actually harm the body. However, in people who have allergies, the immune system considers the substance harmful and releases a chemical called histamine. This is what then gives rise to an allergic reaction.
Allergic rhinitis can affect anyone, but is generally experienced by people who have a family history of allergies. In addition, allergic rhinitis is also more at risk of attacking people who have asthma or atopic eczema, as well as smokers.
Various Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can occur immediately after exposure to the allergen. Substances that can be allergens include dust, cold air, animal dander, pollen, mites, animal waste, chlorine, sawdust, mold spores, or latex.Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can vary from person to person.
However, there are some common symptoms, namely:
- Itching in the nose, mouth, eyes, throat, or skin
- Sneeze
- Have a cold
- Watery eyes
If exposed to allergens in the long term, symptoms of allergic rhinitis that can appear are:
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Hives
- Headache
- Tired easily
Some people with allergic rhinitis may only experience symptoms when exposed to large amounts of the allergen, but there are also people with this disease who experience symptoms throughout the year.
Difference Between Allergic Rhinitis and Flu
Allergic rhinitis is often mistaken for the flu because it has similar symptoms. However, the flu and allergic rhinitis are two different diseases.The following are the various characteristics of the flu:
- Infectious
- Caused by influenza virus
- Causes fever, muscle aches, and chills
- Lasts for 3–7 days and no more than 14 days
Meanwhile, the signs or symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
- Not contagious
- Caused by immune system reaction
- Does not cause fever, muscle aches, and chills
- Can last for months as long as the patient is still exposed to the allergen
To further confirm the difference between the flu and allergic rhinitis, you can check with an ENT doctor.
How to Treat Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis should be treated, because the symptoms can interfere with daily activities. For example headaches, runny nose, and sneezing that can affect productivity at work, or symptoms of an itchy and stuffy nose that can interfere with comfort during sleep.
In addition to not interfere with activities, allergic rhinitis also needs to be treated so that it does not develop into sinusitis. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the nose characterized by a stuffy or runny nose for more than 3 months. Sinusitis that doesn't get better can be the start of nasal polyps.
Allergic rhinitis can also cause otitis media, sleep apnea, and worsening of asthma symptoms in people with allergic rhinitis who also have asthma.
To relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, there are several types of drugs that can be given by a doctor, including:
1. Antihistamines
Antihistamines can relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking the action and amount of histamine in the body. This drug has now developed into the third generation. First generation antihistamine drugs are no longer recommended because they have quite severe side effects.
Although safe to use, second-generation antihistamines, such as cetirizine, can cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is not recommended to drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery, or perform activities that require concentration after taking this medicine.
Meanwhile, the latest generation of antihistamines, such as fexofenadine, are considered to have minimal side effects and do not cause drowsiness.
2. Decongestants
Decongestants are drugs that work to relieve nasal congestion. This medication is available in the form of an oral medication and a nasal spray.
Decongestants should not be used for more than 3 days. In addition, people with arrhythmia, stroke, anxiety, sleep disorders, hypertension, or bladder problems are advised to consult a doctor before using this drug.
3. Corticosteroid spray
This drug works to reduce the inflammatory reaction in the nose and relieve other symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy nose, and congestion. Corticosteroid spray can be used by both children and adults.
4. Immunotherapy
If your allergies are severe enough, your doctor may recommend injections of immunotherapy. This drug works by helping the body learn to tolerate the allergen.
The doctor will inject small amounts of the allergen into the body of people with allergic rhinitis gradually. Over time, the immune system will develop immunity to the allergen, so it no longer considers it a dangerous foreign object. This method can be used in conjunction with other allergy medications.
So that the symptoms of allergic rhinitis do not recur, it is recommended to avoid allergy triggers with the following steps:
- Use a mask when doing activities outside the house.
- Get used to bathing after activities outside the home.
- Clean the house regularly.
- Wash your hands after handling animals.
- Bathe pets at least 2 times a week.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to clean mattresses and carpets.
- Use an air purifier or air conditioner (AC) to reduce the amount of allergen in the air.
Allergic rhinitis can be controlled with medication prescribed by a doctor. However, if the symptoms worsen or do not show improvement after taking the drug, consult a doctor again for further examination and appropriate treatment.
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