WHAT IS RHINITIS?
There are two types of rhinitis: allergic and non-allergic. Allergic rhinitis, commonly referred to as “hay fever”, is the inflammation or irritation of areas in the nose caused by inhalation of airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, or pet dander. According to recent studies completed in the United States, more than 50 million Americans are current sufferers of rhinitis.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF RHINITIS?
These inhaled allergens will cause symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. Allergens induce the release of chemical mediators such as histamine and leukotrienes (inflammatory proteins) to be released by the body causing itching, swelling, and mucus production.
WHAT ARE SOME TREATMENTS FOR RHINITIS?
Avoidance – The best treatment is to avoid the allergens altogether. Unfortunately this is unlikely since we cannot completely avoid airborne allergens. Washing of clothes and floors to remove allergens, and making sure air-filters are changed regularly can be helpful.
Medications – Some medications for allergic rhinitis are best used daily to control inflammation and prevent symptoms, while others are used only as needed to relieve symptoms. Nasal corticosteroid sprays can control inflammation and reduce all symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including itching, sneezing, runny nose and stuffiness. Antihistamines in the form of pills or nasal sprays block histamine and may relieve itching, sneezing and runny nose, but they may not be as effective in reducing nasal stuffiness. Anti-leukotrienes in the form of pills can reduce all the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Decongestant pills or nasal sprays can be used as needed if nasal stuffiness is not relieved with other medications. Decongestant sprays should not be used for long periods of time because they can cause your congestion to return. Ipratropium nasal spray can be used specifically for a runny nose.
Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots) – This is the only known curative measure for airborne allergies. If your symptoms are constant, if you don’t want to take medications or feel that they are not enough to adequately treat your symptoms, or if you want long-term control of your allergies with less need for medications. This treatment involves receiving injections periodically-as determined by your allergist-over a period of three to five years at a minimum. The end result is decreased sensitivity to allergens.
HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE ALLERGENS CAUSING MY RHINITIS?
The allergist will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Your history of symptoms is important in diagnosing allergic rhinitis, including whether the symptoms vary according to time of day or the season, exposure to pets or other allergens, and diet changes.
Specific substances that trigger your symptoms may be revealed by allergy testing. The most common and best method of allergy testing is skin prick testing for specific allergens which may include a prick, and/or needles called intradermal testing (ID’s). We look for a wheal and flare response (similar to a mosquito bite reaction with redness, swelling, and itching) at the site where we poke your skin with the specific allergen. This procedure usually takes 15-20 minutes to get your results, and is done in the office. We may need to perform ID’s if you have lots of negative tests on the prick part of the exam, and this too will take 15-20 minutes to obtain a response. Special blood tests may be needed if the allergist determines that a skin test cannot be preformed.
