The World Health Organization considers the allergic rhinitis one of the six diseases most frequently affect the populationn. The global prevalence of asthma has increased from 1990 to 2015 by 12.6%.
Typically, allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergen, which can be breathed in or ingested. It causes inflammation of the inner layers of the nose and manifests itself with very characteristic symptoms, almost always sneezing.
What are the symptoms?
The most characteristic symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
sneezing
nasal obstruction
Intense and irritating cough.
Itchy nose.
Watery nasal discharge.
Conjunctivitis or itchy eyes.
A frequent symptom is bleeding from the nose, without blows or apparent reason, often at night. These hemorrhages in children are more common due to allergies than to coagulation problems or high blood pressure.
disease severity
Depending on the duration and persistence of symptoms, allergic rhinitis can be classified as intermittent or persistent, and within each of these categories, as mild and moderate-severe. In the most severe cases, which occur at least 4 days a week and for 4 consecutive weeks, there may be sleep disturbance that affects daily activity.
How is it diagnosed
In the most persistent cases, an allergy study with skin tests is usually performed.
Allergic rhinitis or cold?
The symptoms are very similar. However, if symptoms such as runny nose, conjunctivitis or watery mucus persist for more than a week, you should see a doctor.
Is there treatment?
There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, but the symptoms can be treated. Treatment is required when the allergen is discovered.
There are, however, some strategies to relieve symptoms.
At home
Air conditioning and other filters can be beneficial.
The covers and pillow should be washed regularly and the mattress shaken, aired and vacuumed.
Avoid the use of rugs, carpets, curtains and cushions.
Avoid the use of humidifiers. The relative humidity of the air should be maintained at around 50%.
It is especially harmful to sweep or vacuum with a normal vacuum cleaner in the presence of a person with allergies. It is preferable to clean with a damp cloth and/or mop.
It is recommended not to dry clothes in the open air in order to avoid contact with pollen-contaminated air.
It is essential not to smoke at home.
The pollen
It is convenient to know which plants you are allergic to, as well as their pollination season. In addition, it is advisable not to go out during the hours of maximum exposure to pollen, mid-morning and early afternoon.
If you travel by car, it is advisable to keep the windows closed and change the anti-pollen filters of the vehicle regularly.
Sunglasses prevent the direct impact of pollen against the eyes. In extreme cases it may be convenient to wear a mask that filters pollen.
Avoid rubbing your eyes; doing so can irritate them and make symptoms worse.
Animals
If you have an allergy to animals and you have an animal at home, it is advisable to remove it. It is recommended not to go to houses or other places where there are animals.
If you have animals at home, to reduce problems it is recommended that the animal does not enter the room of the person with the allergy and that they never sleep in that room, as well as ventilate the room often.
It is recommended to rub your hands immediately after petting the animal.