Diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis

How can I know if I am suffering from Allergic Rhinitis? How is Allergic Rhinitis diagnosed? Diagnosis is usually based on your history of symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask

By: Dr Anitha Anchan | | Updated: February 24, 2015 10:26 pm

How can I know if I am suffering from Allergic Rhinitis? How is Allergic Rhinitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on your history of symptoms. Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your symptoms. You will be asked about exposure to allergens and whether your symptoms vary by time of day or season. A family history can usually be elicited.

Skin tests and blood tests help in diagnosing the condition and detecting the allergen. . In skin test your doctor will prick your skin with a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substances and watch for signs of reaction (swelling, redness). Results are usually seen within 15-20 minutes. The test is safe, specific and rapid. This test may reveal the substances that trigger your symptoms. Blood test IgE immunoassays can measure the levels of allergy-related substances, immunoglobulin E (IgE) in your blood that may mean you have allergic rhinitis. A complete blood count (CBC) test shows an increased Eosinophil count.

When should I see a doctor for Allergic Sinusitis?

Call for an appointment with your doctor if:

You have severe allergy or hay fever symptoms
You have a cough or cold lasting longer than 1 to 2 weeks
You have severe itching of the eyes or nose
Your symptoms do not respond to treatment
Your symptoms get worse
You have pain in the sinus area and other symptoms of sinus infection(fever, or a yellow or green discharge from the nose)
Your allergy disturbs your life

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis.

How can I get relief from Allergic Rhinitis? What is the treatment for Allergic Rhinitis?

SELF CARE

For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash can help remove mucus from the nose. You can buy a saline solution at a medical store. To treat your symptoms at home you may take over-the-counter medicines, unless you have another health problem (e.g. asthma).

MEDICINES

1. Antihistamines: Work well for treating allergy symptoms, especially when symptoms are not frequent or do not last very long. Antihistamines taken by mouth can relieve mild to moderate symptoms, but may cause sleepiness. Some are available over the counter, without a prescription. Newer antihistamines like loratidine (Claritin), fevofenadine (Allegra) and cetirizine (Zyrtec)
cause little or no sleepiness. Antihistamine nasal sprays like Azelastine and astepro (Astelin) and olopatadine (Patanase) work well for treating allergic rhinitis.

2. Corticosteroids: Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. Many brands are available. You will need a prescription from your doctor.

3. Decongestants: May also be useful in reducing symptoms such as nasal congestion. Do not use them for more than 3 days. Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays that contain benzalkonium chloride may actually make symptoms worse and cause infection.

4. Leukotriene Modifiers: Leukotriene, produced by the immune system causes inflammation in allergic rhinitis. Leukotriene modifiers block the actions of leukotriene. These drugs include zileuton, zafirlukast, and montelukast and are highly efficient in treating allergic rhinitis. The leukotriene inhibitor, Singulair is a prescription medicine which helps control asthma and relieves the symptoms of seasonal allergies.

5. Mast cell stabilizers: They mediate anti-inflammatory activities. They prevent the release of histamine and related mediators of inflammation by blocking calcium channel in mast cells. These drugs include intranasal cromolyn sodium. No significant side effects are associated with their use.

6. Allergy Shots: Recommended if you cannot avoid the allergen and your symptoms are hard to control. Allergy shots are small doses of allergens. Each dose is slightly larger than the previous dose. This helps your body get used to the allergen, which can result in fewer or less severe symptoms. They work best if you are allergic to pollens, animal dandruff or dust mites. There is some risk of severe whole-body reactions (anaphylaxis).

7. Immune-based therapies: Drugs called Anti–immunoglobulin E Antibodies (Omalizumab) have been used in the treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR). They reduce the risk of anaphylaxis in patients who are receiving immunotherapy. Sublingually administered allergen immunotherapy (SLIT) brings about a significant reduction in symptom in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis.

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Published: January 4, 2013 2:53 pm | Updated:February 24, 2015 10:26 pm

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