Allergic rhinitis manifests itself with symptoms such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes and redness. These symptoms negatively affect individuals’ daily activities and reduce their quality of life. These symptoms, which occur when people are exposed to allergens, can negatively affect people’s social interactions, work performance, and overall health. Despite these challenges, a number of treatment options are available to alleviate the effects of allergy and allergic rhinitis. By taking correct treatment methods and precautions against allergens, individuals can make their lives more comfortable. However, it is important to collaborate with a healthcare professional for long-term relief.
Allergic rhinitis is a condition that occurs when the mucous membranes in the nose overreact to certain allergens. It usually develops when exposed to environmental allergens such as flower pollen, house dust mites, mold spores or animal dander. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually include upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as itching, sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and watery eyes.
This condition occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to allergens. The mucous membranes inside the nose secrete chemicals such as histamine as a defense mechanism against allergens. These chemicals trigger this response by dilating the vessels inside the nose and creating inflammation, leading to the characteristic symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can generally occur seasonally (periods when pollen is common) or throughout the year. Additionally, this condition can occur alongside other respiratory diseases such as asthma, and its long-term effects can negatively impact overall quality of life.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the mucous membranes in the nose overreact to certain allergens. Allergens are substances that are generally harmless, but they can cause an excessive immune response in some people. Excessive immune response occurs when the immune system mistakenly triggers the defense mechanism against harmless substances in the body. If allergens enter the nose, the cells in the nasal mucosa react to these substances and symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur. Common causes of allergic rhinitis include:
- Flower pollen spreads through the air, especially in spring and summer, and can trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- House dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in homes, especially in places such as beds, duvets and carpets. The rashes of these mites can cause allergic reactions.
- Mold spores that form in humid environments (e.g., bathroom, kitchen) can trigger symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
- The dander and dander of cats, dogs, and other pets are potential allergens that can cause allergic rhinitis.
- Allergic rhinitis may occur if pollen and mold spores stick to clothes and clothes cannot be dried or washed.
- Deterioration in air quality may increase symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
- Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure can trigger allergic rhinitis or worsen symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis tends to occur more frequently in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Additionally, allergic rhinitis, which is common in childhood, may increase or decrease with age. Symptoms often worsen in seasons or environments where exposure to allergens increases.
What triggers allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is a condition that occurs as a result of the immune system overreacting to allergens. Allergens can enter the body through breathing and cause inflammation in areas such as the nose, sinuses, eyes and throat. This inflammation can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and itching in the nose and throat. Allergens that can trigger allergic rhinitis include:
- Pollens: Pollen is plant dust carried by the wind. It is more common in spring, summer and autumn.
- House dust mites: House dust mites are microscopic creatures. They live in dusty and dark places of houses.
- Animal hair and dander: Shedding and dander from cats, dogs, birds and other pets can trigger allergic rhinitis.
- Molds: Molds are fungi that thrive in moist environments.
- Chemicals: Some chemicals can cause allergic rhinitis symptoms.
What is good for allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation and swelling of the nose and sinuses as a result of an allergic reaction. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and itching in the nose and throat. Here are some tips on what to do at home for allergic rhinitis:
- Stay away from allergens. You can have an allergy test to identify the allergens causing the symptoms of your allergic rhinitis. Staying away from allergens is the best way to relieve your symptoms.
- Dry air can increase nasal congestion. Using a humidifier can help moisten the air and relieve nasal congestion.
- Salt water solution can help relieve nasal congestion and runny nose. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir. Apply this mixture by pulling it into your nostrils.
- Ventilate your bedroom regularly.
- Keep your home free of dust and mites.
- Bathe your pets regularly.
- Wear a mask when working in the garden.
How to treat allergic rhinitis?
A number of treatments and measures are available to alleviate the effects of allergic rhinitis and control the symptoms. However, because each individual’s situation is different, the treatment plan must generally be personalized. Some general methods that can be used to relieve allergic rhinitis:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays, used with the doctor’s recommendation, can control nasal congestion and other symptoms by reducing inflammation in the nose.
- Decongestants can be used to relieve nasal congestion. However, long-term use is not recommended because it can cause addiction.
- Allergen immunotherapy, or allergy vaccine, is a treatment option used to make the body tolerant to allergens. This treatment is a long-term approach and aims to strengthen the immune system against allergens that cause allergies.
- Controlling allergens at home plays an important role in relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms. Avoiding potential allergen sources such as dust mites, mold spores and animal dander may reduce symptoms.
- Using HEPA filters or air purifiers can improve indoor air quality and reduce allergens.
- Using saline sprays or nasal sprays to clear allergens and mucus from the nose may relieve symptoms.
Some people turn to natural methods to relieve allergic rhinitis symptoms. For example, methods such as gargling salt water, steam inhalation, or consuming local honey containing honey and local pollen can be tried.
Can allergic rhinitis go away without medication?
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation and swelling of the nose and sinuses as a result of an allergic reaction. This can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and itching in the nose and throat. Allergic rhinitis is usually a lifelong condition. However, it is possible to relieve symptoms without medication or with herbal treatments. Some methods that can be used for herbal treatment of allergic rhinitis:
- Green tea: Antioxidants found in green tea may help reduce inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis.
- Fish oil: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil may help reduce inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis.
- Ginger: Ginger may help relieve nasal congestion and runny nose caused by allergic rhinitis.
- Echinacea: Echinacea may help strengthen the immune system, which may help prevent infections caused by allergic rhinitis.