Allergic rhinitis
Introduction
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the nose when a person breathes in allergies like pollen, dust, mold or pet. This causes inflammation of the nasal passage, causing symptoms such as sneezing, flowing nose, nasal congestion and itching eyes or throat. It can be seasonal or persistent and can greatly affect daily life and sleep.
Types of Allergic rhinitis
Seasonal allergy rhinitis
It occurs at the specific time of the year, usually in response to external allergies such as trees, grass or mourning from pollen. Symptoms flare up during spring, heat, or fall.
Perennial allergy rhinitis
It is year-by-year and is usually triggered by indoor allergies such as dust particles, pets, molds, or cockroaches.
Professional allergy rhinitis
Due to exposure to allergies in the workplace, such as flour in bakers, latex in healthcare workers, or chemicals in some industries.
Episodic allergy rhinitis
Symptoms only appear whenever they are exposed to specific allergies, such as going home with pets or dusty areas.
Causes of Allergic rhinitis
- Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds during seasonal changes.
- Dust particles found in bed, carpet and domestic furniture.
- Pets from cats, dogs, or other cute animals.
- Mold spores are growing in moist indoor or external environment.
- Cockroaches drops are common in ignorant or urban living places.
- Smoke or air pollution disturbs the nasal lining and airways.
- Strong perfume, spray, or chemical odor causes nasal irritation.
- Workplace allergies such as latex, flour or chemical risk.
- Cold air or weather shift allergies triggers the symptoms of the nose.
- Family history or genetic tendency towards allergies.
Clinical features of Allergic rhinitis :
Sneezing
Frequent, uncontrollable sneezing episodes, especially in the morning or after contact for pollen, dust, or pet.
nasal congestion
Constant accessories or obstructions of the nasal passage, often disturb the mouth breathing and sleep patterns.
Flowing nose
Constant water -filled nose discharge that can worsen outside or in dusty environment, often accompanied by throat irritation.
Itching eyes and nose
Acute itching in the nose, eyes and throat, leading to continuous rubbing or scratches for temporary relief.
watery eyes
Excessive tearing from both eyes, often for light or air allergies with redness and sensitivity.
Symptoms associated with Allergic rhinitis
- Continuous sneezing, especially after exposure to dust or pollen.
- Discharge water from the nose with no sign of infection.
- Itching sensation in the eyes, nose, throat, or ear.
- Red, water eyes that feel irritated and sensitive to light.
- Nasal obstruction causes difficulty in breathing through the nose.
- Post-neel drip leads to frequent throat cleaning and cough.
- Low feeling of smell and sometimes taste in severe cases.
- Fatigue and fatigue due to poor sleep and nasal discomfort.
Investigations in Allergic rhinitis
- A complete history helps to identify potential allergies, duration of symptoms and patterns (seasonal or perennials), environmental risk, family history of allergies and any affiliated conditions such as asthma or eczema.
The clinical examination focuses on the nasal cavity. The nose mucosa often appears yellow, swollen and moist. Clear nose discharge, allergic shiners (deep circles under the eyes), or the appearance of breathable from the mouth can be seen.
This process uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to imagine the passage of the nose and the inside of the sinus. It helps in detecting structural issues, nasal polyps, or chronic inflammation that may be mimicked or accompanied by allergic rhinitis.
A commonly used allergic test where small amounts of normal allergies are pricking in the skin (usually a cell or back). A positive response (red bump) indicates sensitivity to that allergen. It is quick and gives results within 15–20 minutes.
This blood test measures the level of total IGE and allergen-specific IGE antibodies in the bloodstream. The elevated IGE level suggests an allergy condition and helps identify specific allergies, especially in patients unable to undergo skin tests.
A simple blood test that can show an elevated eosinophil count – white blood cells usually increase in allergic reactions. Although not specific, it supports the diagnosis when viewed with other findings.
In this test, a sample of nasal secretions is taken and stained to examine eosinophils. A high number of eosinophils confirms inflammation of allergies in the nose mucosa
This is another type of blood test used to detect