Allergic rhinitis is a disease of allergic etiology, in which the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed.
The main symptoms are rhinorrhea, nasal breathing disorders, sneezing, itching and burning of the nasal cavity
reasons
The main reason for the development of allergic rhinitis is the interaction of the body with household, food and chemical allergens. The most common allergens can be dust, pets, medicines, chemicals (powders, aerosols). Recently, allergies to household dust and mites have become more common. Allergic rhinitis also worsens in the spring period – during the flowering of plants.
An important factor is genetic predisposition.
symptoms
In the acute phase of allergic rhinitis, the patient complains of copious nasal discharge. The discharge is clear and liquid. When a secondary infection is attached, the discharge becomes thicker, changes color.
Nasal discharge (rhinorrhea) is joined by sneezing attacks, which differ in duration.
Difficult nasal breathing appears in severe forms of allergic rhinitis. During the day, the patient is concerned about moderate nasal congestion, which increases at night.
The inflamed mucous membrane is exposed to external aggressive factors – therefore it itches a lot. The stronger the allergic reaction, the more itching the patient experiences.
On examination, the patient looks quite appropriate – breathing is carried out through the mouth, the skin of the wings of the nose is inflamed and hyperemic, the face is puffy. The eyes may also be affected – redness, lacrimation and itching may also bother the patient.
According to the severity, all rhinitis are divided into light, medium and heavy.
At the first degree, the patient’s condition is satisfactory, sleep is not disturbed, with an average degree of allergic rhinitis, sleep and the patient’s working capacity are already disturbed, daytime activity decreases.
Acute (seasonal) and chronic (year-round) rhinitis are distinguished by duration.
Acute rhinitis most often occurs in spring during the flowering of trees. Children of infant and preschool age are most often affected.
treatment
Treatment of allergic rhinitis is aimed at reducing or eliminating the allergen and also at alleviating the patient’s condition. To do this, antihistamines are prescribed. Allergens are excluded – a hypoallergenic diet is prescribed, household allergens are excluded. If the patient is allergic to dust, wet cleaning is carried out in the room, at least 2 times a day. If allergic rhinitis occurs in response to taking medications, the therapy of the underlying disease is corrected.
Vasoconstrictive drops can be used to weaken rhinorrhea, however, their use for more than 3-4 days can lead to addiction, and as a result, a weakening of the vasoconstrictive effect.
In case of allergic rhinitis of unclear etiology, diagnostics is carried out to identify the type of allergen. The most common method is skin scarification. This method is considered the most informative due to its clarity and ease of implementation. Scarification tests are carried out only in the treatment room, where there is necessarily an anti-shock anaphylactic styling.
