What is Allergic Rhinitis? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Allergic Rhinitis is an atopic condition caused by a hyper-sensitive immune response to inhaling airborne allergens or irritants such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pet saliva, animal dander, etc.

Common symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, watery eyes, itchy nose/eyes, etc. immediately after being exposed to allergens. Genetics and exposure to environmental factors lead to the development of allergic rhinitis.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI), allergic rhinitis affects nearly 10-20% of the population worldwide and 20-30% of the population in India.

There is no cure for it, but lifestyle changes, precautions, and homeopathic medications can control the symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

The most common allergic rhinitis symptoms are as follows:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, runny, or stuffy nose
• Watery, red, or itchy eyes
• Coughing and wheezing
• Sore throat due to mucus running down your throat (postnasal drip)
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Puffy eyes
• Loss of smell
• Ears feeling full
• Ears making a ‘pop’ sound
• Sinus pressure
• Mucus in throat and nose

These symptoms are likely to occur right after you are exposed to allergens.

What are the Causes of Allergic Rhinitis?

An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system over responds, and produces antibodies called ‘Immunoglobulin E’ (IgE)’ when exposed to allergens. These antibodies release chemicals like histamine and leukotriene from mast cells that cause inflammation in the nose and trigger allergy rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, etc.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be classified into two types:

• Seasonal Rhinitis (Hay Fever): It occurs due to a change in season and exposure to allergens in the air, especially pollen or mold spores from trees, plants, and grass.
• Perennial Rhinitis: It can occur any time throughout the year due to other allergens like animal dander, pet hair, dust mites, mold, insect feces, etc.

Risk Factors 

You are more likely to have allergic rhinitis if you have a family history of allergies. This genetic likeliness of inheriting allergic rhinitis and other conditions like atopic eczema and asthma is termed ‘atopy’.

Here are some of the environmental factors that can trigger or increase allergic rhinitis symptoms in children:

• Cold climate
• Humidity
• Wind
• Perfumes, sprays, cologne, fumes, etc.
• Air pollution
• Cigarette smoke, wood smoke
• Exposure to chemicals
• Exposure to mold at home

Complications 

Long-term allergic rhinitis can sometimes lead to conditions like:

• Asthma
• Worsening of asthma
• Sinus infections
• Formation of nasal polyps (growth of benign fluid sacs in the nose)
• Chronic ear infections
• Sleep apnea
• Inability to sleep
• Loss of smell

Diagnosis 

Mild symptoms of allergic rhinitis do not require tests. Your doctor may only enquire about your symptoms, learn about your medical history/family history, and conduct a physical examination.

However, if you have allergic rhinitis symptoms that do not subside even after several weeks, you may need to opt for certain medical tests.

The most common tests to diagnose allergic rhinitis include:

• Blood test or RAST (Radioallergosorbent test) to measure the number of immunoglobulin E antibodies in your blood against particular allergens
• Skin Prick Test to check which substance your body is allergic to.

Can You Prevent Allergic Rhinitis?

There is no way to prevent allergic rhinitis. But you can control the symptoms with precautionary measures, homeopathic medicines, and lifestyle changes.

Crucial Tips to Prevent Allergic Rhinitis:

• Stay indoors during the seasons when pollen count is high
• Washing hands or taking a shower right after getting home
• Keeping windows and doors closed during peak pollen season
• Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean carpets
• Dust hard surfaces often
• Wash pillow covers and bedding frequently with hot water
• Limit exposure to pets
• Vacuum your indoors regularly
• Wash your hands and clothes after handling pets
• Cover your nose and mouth when cleaning indoors and outdoors
• Use hypoallergenic bedding

Homeopathic Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

Homeopathy takes an individualized, holistic approach for the treatment of allergic rhinitis by targeting the root cause of the condition. It aims to enhance your hyper-responsive immune function whilst acting as an immunoregulator. Homeopathy offers a unique line of treatment based on your age, severity, and symptoms.

Popular allergic rhinitis homeopathic medicines include Allium Cepa, Arsenicum Album, Natrum Mur, Sabadilla, MercSol, Wyethia, Arundo, and more.

These medicines don’t just suppress the symptoms but rather work to treat the root cause of your allergic rhinitis, offering long-term relief. Homeopathic medicines are made from natural ingredients that are 100% safe for patients of all age groups, with no side effects.

However, homeopathic medication for allergic rhinitis must NOT be taken without proper medical prescription and advice. Do NOT self-prescribe the above-listed medicines to treat your allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Conclusion

Homeopathy has shown effective and positive results in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and other similar allergy-related conditions. These medicines work by regulating the over-sensitized immune response that further stops the progression of symptoms and provides long-term relief.

If you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, book an Online Consultation with our expert Homeopathic Doctor today!

He will learn your symptoms, study your family history of diseases, and recommend proper homeopathic medication for allergic rhinitis based on the severity of the condition.

Regular use of homeopathic medicines will offer symptomatic relief and enhance your immune function in the long run.

Book Now!