Allergic Rhinitis

ALLERGIC RHINITIS

What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic Rhinitis is commonly known as hay fever. It is an inflammation of the nasal passages, causing clogged nose, watery, nasal discharge, itchiness of the eyes and throat, and sneezing. This is usually caused by substances or allergens that trigger the allergic reactions.

What are Allergens?
Allergens are substances that cause the reactions. The following are examples of allergens:

• pollens
• certain food and food products
• fur, feathers, animal dander
• rugs, carpets
• molds
• dust, smoke, air pollution
• house mites, cockroach
• drugs, dyes, cosmetics

How does one know if one has Allergic Rhinitis?

Symptoms include the following:
• nasal and sinus Congestion
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Itchy and watery eyes
• Sneezing, scratchy throat

REMEMBER:

C R I S

Other Minor Symptoms
• Headaches
• Hives (skin rashes)
• Shortness of breath
• Skin irritations
• Balance problems
• Respiratory problems

Signs include the following:
• Allergic Salute – children with persistent rhinorrhea (runny nose) often wipe the nose in an upward
  direction with the palm of their hand consequently creating a horizontal crease in the skin of the lower nose
• Allergic Shiners - darkened areas under the eyes
• Allergic Gape - mouth breathing from nasal obstruction

Who are at risk?
Since allergens are highly atopic or highly allergic, people who are sensitive to these substances are at risk.

What happens when you have an allergy?
Allergy symptoms manifest when our immune system reacts to allergens. Our immune system
produces antibodies that recognize these allergens when they enter our body a second time.
When allergens reenter our body, our immune system immediately recognizes these and produces a series of reactions like production of inflammatory substances like histamine, dilation of blood vessels, and tissue destruction. Histamine causes the production of the allergic symptoms.

How does an Allergic Rhinitis diagnosed?
An otorhinolaryngologist is the most appropriate person to evaluate allergy problems. The doctor will get a detailed history, and a thorough physical exam, as well as give advice on proper environmental control.

What you can do when you have an allergic rhinitis…
1. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR. Proper diagnosis and classification of patients with allergic rhinitis is essential in proper   treatment.
2. Maintain a dust-free home and work place.
3. Wear a mask when doing housework.
4. Regularly clean the filters of air conditioning systems.
5. Get rid of the source of common allergens (dust, animal dander, mites, etc.).
6. No dander-producing animals in the house.
7. Use antihistamines and decongestants as necessary and as tolerated.
8. Moderate to high back rest. Elevating the head relieves nasal congestion.
9. Observe good health practices: exercise, proper diet, no smoking, avoid pollutants

What are the treatments options?
• Allergen Avoidance. Observe what triggers your symptoms and avoid them.

• Pharmacotherapy. Use of oral and intranasal antihistamines, decongestants, oral and intranasal corticosteroids.

• Immunotherapy. Gradually increasing doses of substances to which the person is allergic to. This works by making the immune system less sensitive to that substance.

• Patient education and awareness on Allergic Rhinitis.

HOW CAN THE MEDICAL CITY HELP YOU?
At The Medical City, we have a complete roster of competent otorhinolaryngologists/ ENT
specialists who may assess or treat people with Allergic Rhinitis. For further inquiries or if
you want to seek consult, please call:

EAR, NOSE & THROAT, HEAD & NECK CENTER
Tel No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6251

CENTER FOR PATIENT PARTNERSHIP
Tel No. (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6444

REFERENCES:
- TMC – Ear, Nose & Throat, Head & Neck Center
- American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck
Surgery. www.ent.org
- Cummings Otolaryngology 4th Edition
- Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA)
Guidelines
- www.urgentcare.com
- www.uoregon.edu
- www.chealth.canoe.ca
- www.mayoclinic.com
- www.emedicinehealth.com

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.