Allergic Rhinitis is a term which refers to inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose. When rhinitis is caused by allergies, it is called as “hay fever”.
Causative factors for Allergic Rhinitis
The immune system works continuously to protect the body from potentially dangerous intruders such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Some people are hypersensitive to substances like pollen grains, perfumes, some strong odours that are typically harmful. When the immune system inaccurately identifies these substances an allergic reaction and inflammatory response occurs. The antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a key player in allergic reactions. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system produces (IgE) antibodies.
These antibodies then attach themselves to mast cells, which are found in the nose, eyes, lungs, and gastro intestinal tract.
The mast cells release inflammatory chemical mediators, such as histamine, that cause a topic symptoms (sneezing, coughing, wheezing).
The mast cells continue to produce more inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the production of more (IgE), continuing the allergic process.
Causative factors for Allergic Rhinitis
The immune system works continuously to protect the body from potentially dangerous intruders such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Some people are hypersensitive to substances like pollen grains, perfumes, some strong odours that are typically harmful. When the immune system inaccurately identifies these substances an allergic reaction and inflammatory response occurs. The antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a key player in allergic reactions. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system produces (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies then attach themselves to mast cells, which are found in the nose, eyes, lungs, and gastro intestinal tract. The mast cells release inflammatory chemical mediators, such as histamine, that cause a topic symptoms (sneezing, coughing, wheezing). The mast cells continue to produce more inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the production of more (IgE), continuing the allergic process.
Symptoms:
Symptoms are runny nose, stuffy nose, itching, and sneezing. Sometimes itching, redness and watering of eyes.
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When symptoms occur all year round they are usually caused by allergens that are constantly present in the environment, such as pets or dust particles.
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When the nose is inflamed all of the time, common colds (virus infection of the nose) will cause more severe nasal symptoms which last much longer than usual.
How to diagnose Allergic Rhinitis?
In most cases, a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can be established on the basis of the patient’s symptoms without any testing. Allergy testing may be used to confirm an allergic trigger identified by symptoms.
The doctor will ask about:
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Time of day and year of rhinitis episodes. Rhinitis that appears seasonally is typically due to pollens and outdoor allergens. If symptoms occur throughout the year, the doctor will suspect that is non-allergic rhinitis.
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Family history of allergies.
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History of medical problems.
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In women, if they are pregnant or taking drugs that contain estrogen (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy).
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Use of other medications including decongestants, which can cause a rebound effect.
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Any additional unusual symptoms like bloody nasal discharge and obstruction in only one nasal passage could suggest a tumor. Fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, and depression may be signs of hypothyroidism.
How Homeopathy helps to cure Allergic Rhinitis?
Homeopathic remedies can help in the acute stages of allergies to help relieve the symptoms, but usually a more constitutional approach to help the underlying condition is necessary for permanent cure. Homeopathic treatment alleviates the symptoms of hay fever and other hypersensitivity disorders without dangerous side-effects and improve quality of life. Homeopaths believe there is an association between allergies, skin problems and asthma. It is best not to suppress the symptoms of the skin or mucous membranes since that can actually drive the process of irritation further into the system, creating such conditions as asthma or perhaps joint problems. It is always best to start with homeopathic remedies to see if the symptoms improve.