Allergic Rhinitis is a condition in which the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed due to an immune system response after exposure to allergens, resulting in chronic symptoms such as runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal itching. It can occur in both children and adults and may affect quality of life, sleep, learning, and work performance.
Currently, allergic rhinitis is increasingly common, especially in cities with pollution, PM2.5 dust, and airborne irritants.
Causes of Allergic Rhinitis
1. Genetics
Allergies can be inherited. If a father or mother has a history of allergic disease, the child has a higher chance of developing allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis.
2. Allergens
Allergens are key factors that trigger IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Allergens often enter the body through inhalation, including:
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Cockroaches
3. Pollution and irritants
Triggers such as PM2.5 dust, cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, or certain chemicals can irritate the nasal mucosa and cause allergy symptoms to flare up.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
Patients usually have at least 2 of the following 4 symptoms:
- Clear runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose or itchy eyes
- Frequent sneezing, especially in the morning
Symptoms may come and go or be chronic, depending on how often a person is exposed to allergens
Findings on physical examination
Doctors may find characteristic signs in patients with allergic rhinitis, such as:
- Dark circles under the eyes (Allergic shiner)
- A transverse crease across the bridge of the nose from frequent rubbing (Nasal crease)
- Swollen, pale nasal mucosa
Comorbidities and complications
Allergic rhinitis may occur together with other conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Rhinosinusitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Otitis media
If left untreated, it may affect sleep quality, concentration, and overall health.
Diagnostic tests for allergic rhinitis
1. Skin prick test
This test identifies allergens by pricking the skin to observe the body’s hypersensitivity reaction.
2. Blood test for specific IgE
This measures immune levels specific to each allergen, helping identify the cause of symptoms more clearly.
Treatment methods for allergic rhinitis
1. Environmental management
Avoiding allergens and reducing triggers are key ways to control symptoms, for example:
- Wash bed linens regularly in warm water
- Reduce dust and stuffed toys in the bedroom
- Avoid cigarette smoke
- Use an air purifier when necessary
2. Nasal irrigation with saline
Helps reduce nasal discharge, decrease swelling of the nasal mucosa, and improve the nasal cavity’s clearance system, making breathing easier.
3. Medications
Doctors may consider symptom-based treatment, such as:
- Antihistamines
- Intranasal steroids
- Anti-leukotrienes
4. Allergy vaccines (Immunotherapy)
This treatment involves administering small amounts of allergen extracts and gradually increasing the dose to modify the immune system’s response over the long term.
Suitable for patients who:
- Have chronic symptoms
- Have poor symptom control despite medication
- Want to reduce long-term medication use
How to prevent allergic rhinitis
- Clean the house and bedroom regularly
- Avoid dust, smoke, and pollution
- Wear a mask when in areas with high dust levels
- Maintain good health and get enough rest
- Get evaluated if symptoms are chronic
Summary
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition and may affect long-term quality of life. With proper diagnosis and treatment, together with avoidance of allergens, symptoms can be controlled, flare-ups reduced, and complications effectively minimized.
