Allergic Rhinitis Self-care: 5 Golden measures

Allergic rhinitis indicates the swelling of the nasal mucosa due to any allergen stimulant. Allergens are usually harmless for the general population. But for some people, these allergens may induce allergic reactions. Allergic rhinitis or hay fever exhibits a group of symptoms, mainly affecting your nose. Allergic rhinitis self-care and avoiding triggers help a lot to avoid such allergic reactions.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, about 8% of adults in the United States suffer from some sort of allergic rhinitis. In addition, about 10 to 30 percent of the worldwide population may have allergic rhinitis. This article will explore the basic mechanism of allergic rhinitis as well as self-care to deal with the symptoms. Go on to read the article to learn about allergic rhinitis self-care protocols.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Rhinitis indicates the inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Allergic rhinitis is a type of allergic reaction producing a cascade of specific allergy symptoms. It is also a highly prevalent atopic disease and indicates an allergic response to outer substances in the environment. Pollens, mold, dust mites, and many other things can be the source of allergens. Your body senses those particles as invaders as well as produces an allergic response against them.

What is the basic mechanism of allergic reaction?

Before we move to Allergic rhinitis self-care, let’s know the mechanism of allergies. Allergic rhinitis is mainly caused by IgE-mediated immunity response against those allergens. Our body has preformed antibodies against these allergic antigens. These antibodies are present on the surface of mast cells. As you get introduced to any of these allergens, your body starts secreting histamine. Histamine is the mediator of allergic responses. It basically helps to defend our body from these allergens.

The common allergens include:

• Grass pollen
• Cat saliva
• Mold
• Weed pollens
• Animal dander
• Tree pollens
• Dust mites
• Occupational allergens

These allergens are problematic only at a specific phase of the year. Tree and flower pollens usually induce allergic reactions in the spring season. Whereas, grasses as well as weeds produce pollen in the summer and fall seasons.

Allergic rhinitis and sinuses

Our body contains multiple sinuses that are hollow cavities filled with air. These sinuses also work to keep the body lightweight. Allergic rhinitis has a connection with the paranasal sinuses. Paranasal sinuses are present in your cheeks, forehead, as well as between your eyes. Sinuses are usually lined with epithelial mucosa to form a protective barrier. 

Allergic reactions can cause swelling of the mucous membranes, causing inflammation and blocking your sinuses. Inflamed sinuses are difficult to drain, trapping the mucus as well as air inside the sinus. This blockage can cause congestion, pressure, stuffiness, pain, and other allergic symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis exhibits a variety of symptoms. Some of them are as follows:

• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Itching in the nose
• Runny nose
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Watery eyes or tears in the eye
• Sinus pressure 
• Dark circles under the eye
• Headache
• Dry and itchy skin with blisters like eczema
• Hives
• Fatigue and laziness

You may feel one or more symptoms immediately as you interact with any allergen. Recurrent headache as well as continuous fatigue indicate a persistent exposure to the allergic particles. 

Postnasal drip is also common in allergic rhinitis patients. Normally, you swallow mucus without knowing about this. Thick mucus due to any reason or excessive mucus results in postnasal drip. It feels like dripping mucus from the back of your nose into the throat. In addition, it also feels like a lump in your throat, causing pain and irritation. People experiencing these symptoms should go for Allergic rhinitis self-care.

What are the common types of allergic rhinitis?

There are two basic types of allergic rhinitis. One is seasonal and the other is perennial. Seasonal allergies happen only during the specific seasons producing the specific allergens. These allergic responses are usually because of outdoor allergens like pollen. Whereas, perennial allergies can occur any time of the year or year-round. These allergic reactions are because of indoor substances like dust mites or pet dander. 

What are the potential risk factors for allergic rhinitis?

Allergies can affect any person regardless of any specific conditions. However, you are at higher risk of inducing allergic reactions if you have a familial history of allergies. In addition, having asthma or eczema also increases the potential to induce allergic rhinitis. Some external factors can also trigger allergic rhinitis. These external factors are as follows:

• Certain chemicals
• Cigarette smoke
• Cold temperatures
• Increased humidity levels
• Wind
• Polluted air
• Fumes
• Wood smoke 
• Hairspray
• Perfumes
• Cologne

You should also check this article on Is ice cream good for a sore throat?

How can we diagnose allergic rhinitis?

Minor allergic reactions only need a physical exam. Your doctor can usually diagnose allergies based on the clinical symptoms and triggers. Whereas, in the case of severe allergies, an allergist may perform multiple skin tests to know the actual triggers of allergic reactions. They usually prick or scratch your skin with tiny things that can induce allergic reactions. If any of the substances cause redness or itchiness, it indicates that specific trigger.

It is usually not as simple as it looks. Your doctor may go for a blood test or radioallergosorbent test to know the actual cause of the allergy. This test measures the amount of IgE regarding the specific allergen in your body. Taking medication at the time of skin prick test may also alter the original results of the test. For this reason, blood tests are usually performed. However, blood tests are not as accurate as skin tests to diagnose nasal allergies. 

Non-pharmacological intervention

Non-pharmacological intervention includes treatment without any medication. This protocol involves avoiding triggers as much as possible. Avoiding the triggers ultimately helps you to deal with allergic problems. 

How can we avoid triggers?

Substances that stimulate allergic responses are called triggers. It is quite impossible to avoid all triggers completely. But, here are some ways to limit the exposure of triggers to avoid any allergies.

• Avoid exposure to plant and animal pollens
• Reduce dust and dust mites in the home
• Control molds indoors and out 

There are some changes that you should make in order to avoid contact with triggers.

• Removing carpets and furniture from the floors.
• Use a dehumidifier to dry out the air in your house
• Install furnace filters or air filters to improve the quality of the air
• Avoid certain outdoor activities
• Changing the place where your pets sleep and ear

Pharmacological regimens for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can be managed in a variety of ways. These methods include home remedies, medications, and other alternative therapies. Consult your doctor for sure regarding your treatment measures for allergic rhinitis. Here are some of the general ways to treat allergic rhinitis.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are the best ingredients to treat allergic reactions. They work against the histamine released by any allergic response. Some over-the-counter antihistamines include the following formulations.

• Fexofenadine
• Diphenhydramine
• Desloratadine
• Loratidine
• Levocetirizine
• Cetirizine

Consult your doctor before starting any medication. If you are already taking any other medication, make sure that antihistamines don’t interact with them.

Decongestants

Decongestants can be used for a shorter period of less than three days. You should not use decongestants for longer duration. It helps to relieve stuffy nose and pain from sinus pressure. Using decongestants for a longer duration has a rebound effect to worsen the symptoms once you stop the medication. Some decongestant formulations are as follows:

• Oxymetazoline
• Pseudoephedrine
• Phenylephrine
• Cetirizine with pseudoephedrine

If you have any heart problems like abnormal heart rhythm, heart disease, history of stroke, anxiety, sleep disorder, hypertension, or bladder issues, consult your doctor before using decongestants. 

Nasal sprays or eye drops

Nasal sprays or eye drops can help to relieve allergic itching and other symptoms for a temporary period. Do not use these sprays or drops for a longer period because of the rebound effect. Steroid nasal sprays can be used long-term to reduce inflammation and immune response. Talk to your doctor before starting any regimen for allergy management. Some drugs are for short-term use and must be discontinued after two to three days.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy or allergy shots are the specific treatment plans to deal with allergies. You can use this treatment in combination with other medications to reduce the symptoms. These allergy shots suppress your immune response to certain allergens to avoid harsh responses. These treatment plans usually require a commitment for a longer period to get the desired results.

An allergy shot regimen starts from the buildup phase. In this phase, you visit your allergist one to three times per week for about three to six months to get your shot done. It helps your body to get introduced to the allergen present in the shot. In the maintenance period, you need to visit your allergist every two to four weeks for about three to five years. You notice a visible change after a year of maintenance phase. Once you cross this level, your allergy symptoms start to fade or disappear altogether.

Some people may also experience allergic reactions to the allergens present in the shot. Many allergists ask you to wait in the office for about 30 to 45 minutes to make sure that you are not having any signs of life-threatening allergic response to the allergens.

Sublingual immunotherapy

Sublingual immunotherapy includes placing a tablet containing multiple allergens under your tongue. It has similar effects to allergy shots. It is best known for managing rhinitis and asthmatic allergies due to grass, tree pollen, dust mites, cat dander, and ragweed. Your first dose is managed by your doctor in the office. You can take your next shots at home after an initial consultation with your doctor. This sublingual immunotherapy is taken frequently over a specific period recommended by your doctor.

There may also be some minor side effects like itching in the mouth, ear, or throat. In very rare cases, sublingual immunotherapy may induce an anaphylaxis-type reaction. Consider your doctor consultation if you suffer any allergic response to sublingual immunotherapy. 

Allergic rhinitis self-care

Pharmacological management is usually the key to dealing with allergic rhinitis and sinus problems. However, precautionary measures are always the best to deal with such allergies. There are a lot of things that you can do on your own to deal with allergic rhinitis. Here are some protocols for Allergic rhinitis self-care.

• Nasal irrigation helps you a lot to clear the nasal passages and sinuses. Washing your nasal passages and sinuses with salt water helps you to remove allergens and treat the symptoms. Salt water also works against the bacteria and removes excessive mucus. It is also important to disinfect the irrigation device after every use and open it to air dry.
• Minimize your exposure to allergens. Take some sensible precautions at home to reduce the symptoms. If you are allergic to pollen, keep your windows shut and use an air conditioner to filter the air. You can also purchase HEPA filters to filter air in the house.
• If you are having sinus problems due to dry air, keep your nasal passages moist. You can have a humidifier or vaporizer in your room to keep the air moist. You can go for warm showers or warm compresses over your nose and mouth. Moreover, you can breathe steam from the pot on the stove. 
• If you are going to expose allergens, take some protective measures to minimize the interaction. Wear a mask or goggles in order to avoid contact with allergens. 
• There are some supplements that can work best to deal with your allergies. Vitamin C, butterbur, and stinging nettle can help to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. 

Check this detailed article on Vitamin B complex

What are the complications of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis needs proper care and management to avoid the symptoms and complications. There are some complications that may occur because of allergic rhinitis or hay fever. These are as follows:

• Lack of sleep due to the sinus pressure and pain when you lie in bed.
• Worsening if the asthma symptoms
• Recurrent ear infection 
• Sinusitis or sinus infection
• Lack of physical activities
• Headache
• Lethargy

Conclusion

Allergic rhinitis occurs because of histamines released as a response to any trigger substance. It can be seasonal due to any pollen or perennial due to indoor triggers. Allergic rhinitis exhibits sneezing, watery eyes, headache, and a variety of other symptoms. You can deal with allergies by avoiding the triggers. In addition, there are several medications available to get rid of allergic responses due to any reason. This concludes the topic of Allergic rhinitis self-care.

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