Content
Spring has come and it is pouring like a bucket. And it pours mainly from your nose. Meet allergic rhinitis. The most common and annoying symptom of an allergy. This misfortune poisons life not only for you, but for everyone around you. And given the spread of the diabolical invention called "open-space", even one sick with a cold turns into a corporate-wide problem.
However, even such a sad picture is not a reason to abandon the fight against the disease. And now we will tell you how to get rid of this disease.
Description of the disease
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.
The cause of this is usually viruses, but in the case of allergic rhinitis, allergens are the causative agent. They get on the mucous membranes of the nose and cause irritation. In turn, the body tries to neutralize them by enveloping them with mucus and throwing them out with air currents. At the same time, a couple of minutes of contact with the allergen is enough to start the reaction.
In general, the disease is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Frequent and violent sneezing;
- Transparent and fluid snot. With complications, they change color to whitish-purulent;
- Severe itching in the nasal cavity;
- Nasal congestion, difficulty breathing.
But the main danger of the disease is not a drop in the mood of others and not even potential insomnia. Worse, an improperly treated runny nose can cause more serious illnesses. First of all, sinusitis, pharyngitis and bronchial asthma. In a word, be careful.
Where to expect trouble
Allergic rhinitis is considered one of the most common diseases on the planet. According to American scientists, almost every fourth inhabitant of the Earth has a predisposition to it. Another thing is that the reasons for its manifestation are relatively individual.
In most cases, patients deal with a seasonal form of the disease. It is caused by an allergic reaction to the pollen of certain plant species. Primarily meadow grasses, flowers or fruit trees. This form is characterized by a limited period of manifestation and a more severe reaction.
Slightly less common is the permanent form of rhinitis. The main allergen here is house dust . And, although the allergic reaction in this case is milder than with the seasonal form, it is chronic allergic rhinitis that most often causes complications. Mainly due to delayed treatment.
Allergy is most pronounced in children under 15 years of age, as well as older people with metabolic and immune system disorders. In addition, special attention should be paid to pregnant women. Complications from an illness or a side effect from medications can harm an unborn baby.
Diagnosis and treatment
At the first signs of the disease, you should seek medical help. First of all, to the ENT doctor. If an allergic reaction is suspected, an allergist will also be involved in the treatment.
For an accurate diagnosis, the following studies may be prescribed:
- Analysis of urine;
- X-ray of the sinuses;
- Blood test for immunoglobulin E ;
- Skin allergy tests (instead of them, I can prescribe additional blood tests).
The main goal of diagnosis is not only to establish the very fact of the disease, but also to determine the culprit allergen, on which further treatment depends. Usually it is medical in nature, but in case of complications or when pathologies are detected, surgical intervention can also be used.
Treatment of the seasonal form
The main treatment for this form of rhinitis is the use of antihistamines . Mostly of the third generation, which are based on the substances fexofenadine, cetirizine or desloratadine. They are highly effective and have few side effects.
Anti-allergic nasal sprays and drops are also widely used in the treatment. Do not confuse them with vasoconstrictors for the common cold. Unlike the latter, anti-allergenic drugs do not reduce blood flow in the nasal cavity, but isolate the mucous membranes, covering them with a thin protective film. In addition, such medicines are intended for longer use than simple cold medicines. But even when using them, care must be taken.
Treatment of permanent form
Due to the persistent nature of the disease, the use of antihistamines for its treatment is ineffective. They can only be used to temporarily relieve symptoms.
The main method of combating the chronic form of allergies is allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT). It is based on the introduction of small doses of an allergen into the patient's body in order to develop immunity in him. Despite the complexity of determining a specific allergen and the duration of the course of treatment, this method gives a high probability of complete recovery from the disease.
Prevention and Precautions
Unfortunately, there are no general methods for preventing allergic rhinitis. The list of possible pathogens is too long. But even in such cases, there are a number of tips to reduce the risk of disease or facilitate recovery.
- With seasonal allergies, refrain from going out into nature and visiting the countryside. If possible, change the region of residence for the duration of the allergy;
- Keep the windows and doors of your apartment closed. Airing is best entrusted to air conditioners with air filters. If this is not possible, stretch a thin mesh or gauze folded in several layers over the windows;
- Try not to leave the house in the morning, especially in dry weather, when the concentration of pollen in the air is maximum;
- Keep outdoor clothing in a tightly closed closet. After the walk, take a shower with the obligatory washing of your hair;
- Carry out regular wet cleaning of the apartment;
- Install an air purifier in the room. It significantly helps in the fight against dust and pollen;
- At the first symptoms of allergic rhinitis, seek medical help. Do not self-medicate, even if you know exactly the causes of the disease;
- Strictly follow the doctor's recommendations, especially regarding the dosage of medications;
- Eliminate alcohol from the diet for the duration of treatment. It radically changes the effect of drugs. It is also advisable to go on a hypoallergenic diet .
Last but not least, stay calm and don't let allergies ruin your life. And the rest will get better.
