Allergic rhinitis is the set of symptoms that occurs when you breathe in substances you are allergic to. These substances are called allergens and are small proteins.
An allergic reaction occurs when your body's immune system overreacts to an allergen. When you breathe in an allergen, cells in your nasal passages make a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes your nose to feel itchy and also causes swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.
These factors increase your chance of developing allergic rhinitis. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
Your doctor will try to find out which allergens you are allergic to. You may be referred you to an allergist, if necessary.
Tests may include:
A tiny bit of an allergen is placed under the skin with a needle. The doctor watches to see if the skin in that area becomes red, raised, and itchy. This can be done for multiple allergens at the same time.
To diagnose you, your doctor may ask about your medical history and do the skin prick test. These two diagnostic techniques may
A small sample of blood is taken and tested for different allergens.
You breathe in air containing an allergen. The doctor will watch to see if you have an allergic reaction, such as wheezing or trouble breathing. This test is usually reserved for research settings.
The most effective way to treat allergies is to avoid the allergen. Since this can sometimes be difficult or impossible, other treatments are available.
Treatments may include:
With immunotherapy, very small amounts of allergens are injected over weeks, months, or even years. The goal is to make your body's immune system less sensitive to those allergens.
There's another, similar type of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy . It involves placing small amounts of allergens under the tongue. This treatment is more popular in Europe. While it has shown to reduce symptoms in some studies, more research is needed.
If you are diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, follow your doctor's instructions .
The following strategies may help prevent allergic rhinitis :
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org/
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
http://www.aafa.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Allergy Asthma Information Association
http://aaia.ca/
Calgary Allergy Network
http://www.calgaryallergy.ca/
References:
Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn's Current Therapy 2001 . 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001.
Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: http://www.jcaai.org . Accessed June 15, 2008.
Middleton E. Allergy: Principles and Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book, Inc; 1998.
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease website. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ . Accessed June 15, 2008.
Patients and Consumer. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients.stm . Accessed June 15, 2008.
¹8/11/2006 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php : Durham SR, Yang WH, Pedersen MR, et al. Sublingual immunotherapy with once-daily grass allergen tablets: a randomized controlled trial in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol . 2006;117:802-809.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Julie D. K. McNairn, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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