Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis Causes
Many perennial and seasonal allergens cause allergic rhinitis. The pollens causing hay fever differ from person to person and from region to region. Hard to see pollens usually trigger the condition.
Allergic Rhinitis Definition
Allergic Rhinitis Also called Hay Fever. Defined as an inflammation of the nasal passages, usually presents with watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes.
Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosis
Skin prick test using small amounts of allergen extract pricked into the skin to observe signs of allergic reactions. Allergy blood test measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in the bloodstream.
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms and Signs
Characteristic symptoms include repetitive sneezing; rhinorrhea (runny nose); post-nasal drip; nasal congestion; pruritic (itchy) eyes, ears, nose or throat; and remarkable feeling of being exhausted. Wheezing, eye tearing, sore throat, and impaired smell are also remarkable traits of the disease.
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce the allergy symptoms. Avoiding exposure to allergen is thought to be the best treatment. Medicines to promote treatment include the administration of antihistamines to relieve mild to moderate symptoms, though sometimes cause drowsiness. Loratadine (Claritin) is non-drowsy and can be used without any negative effects in the learning ability of children. Longer-acting antihistamines are prescribed by doctors for its efficacy including fexofenadine and cetirizine.
Drugs used for treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Astelin
Dexamethasone
Periactin
Phenergan
Sinequan
Zyrtec