When your body experiences an allergy, stuffy nose and runny nose may be signs of allergic rhinitis, a common condition found in people of all ages. It affects daily life, and understanding it correctly and taking proper care of yourself shouldn’t be overlooked, as it can reduce initial severity. If there’s no improvement, promptly see a specialist.
What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic Rhinitis is a condition where the body’s immune system reacts to certain airborne allergens like dust mites, animal dander, pollen, or mold, causing inflammation of the nasal lining and resulting in symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, nasal and eye itchiness.
What causes Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is caused by exposure to airborne allergens such as
- Dust mites, the most common household allergen, especially in humid countries like Thailand and more prevalent in the rainy season.
- Cockroach debris
- Grass and flower pollen
- Animal dander, such as cat or dog fur
- Airborne mold
What are the symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?
- Chronic nasal congestion, difficulty breathing clearly
- Clear runny nose, sometimes flowing like water
- Frequent sneezing, especially in the morning
- Itchy nose, itchy throat, itchy palate, extending to itchy ears
- Itchy eyes, tearing, burning eyes, dark under-eye circles
- Postnasal drip, chronic cough
Is Allergic Rhinitis hereditary?
Allergic rhinitis can be hereditary because individuals with parents or relatives who have allergies have a higher chance of developing allergic rhinitis than those without a family history. This likelihood increases if both parents suffer from allergies.
How dangerous is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is generally not life-threatening, but it can lower the quality of life as it can lead to:
- Inability to sleep soundly
- Lack of clear thinking
- Reduced concentration
- In some cases, it may develop into asthma or chronic sinusitis
How is Allergic Rhinitis diagnosed?
To diagnose allergic rhinitis, specialists will take a detailed history, examine the nasal lining and throat, and might recommend specific tests such as:
- Skin Prick Test, to identify environmental or food allergens
- Blood Test for Allergies (Ig E – Specific Test)
How to treat Allergic Rhinitis?
There are three main methods to treat allergic rhinitis:
- Avoiding allergens is the best method, including avoiding dust mites, animal dander, pollen, and mold.
- Medication, such as:
- Steroid nasal sprays, which help reduce nasal inflammation
- Antihistamines or allergy medications, which reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose
- Nasal decongestants, which help relieve nasal congestion
- Allergen Immunotherapy, a method to gradually alter the immune system’s response. It involves injecting specific allergens for that individual, gradually increasing the dose until the body is better able to tolerate the allergen over time, allowing individuals to live in environments with allergens more similarly to normal people in the long term.
Severity of Allergic Rhinitis
If allergic rhinitis is left untreated, it may lead to complications such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic sinusitis
- Fluid in the middle ear
- Snoring or sleep apnea
Where to find specialized treatment for Allergic Rhinitis?
The Allergy and Asthma Center at Bangkok Hospital provides diagnosis and treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma in patients of all ages. This includes consultation, education, and close monitoring by a specialized medical team and multidisciplinary experts with extensive experience, ensuring patients can lead a quality daily life.
Specialist for Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Dr..Savitree Punyaphibarn, a specialist in allergies at the Allergy and Asthma Center, Bangkok Hospital.
You can click here to make an appointment.
Allergy Testing Package
Airborne and Environmental Allergy Testing Package costs 8,500 baht
