Allergic rhinitis best treatment

Allergic Rhinitis Most Common Treatment Strategy:

Allergic rhinitis most common treatment options include-

Medications

1. Antihistamines: useful in mild to moderate allergic reaction. These include

• Fexofenadine
• Levocetirizine
• Cetirizine
• Diphenhydramine
• Desloratadine
• Loratadine

2. Decongestants:

These drugs  relieve  stuffy nose and sinus pressure. These drugs are suitable only for shorter time usually for three days. Longer time can cause a rebound effect.

These include:

• Oxymetazoline
• Pseudoephedrine
• Phenylephrine
• Cetirizine with pseudoephedrine

Following history are important before giving these drugs:

abnormal heart rhythm,

heart disease,

history of stroke,

anxiety,

sleep disorder,

high blood pressure,

bladder issues

3. Eye drops and nasal sprays:

They are helpful to relieve itchiness and other allergy related symptoms. Helpful as short time basis.  Avoid for long-term use. They can cause  rebound effect.

4. Corticosteroids:

   Steroid nasal sprays are  allergic rhinitis best treatment. They reduce inflammation and immune responses. Long term use of this drugs do not cause a rebound effect

5. Immunotherapy:

   It is useful  for severe allergies. These shots decrease  immune response to particular allergens over time. This therapy require long time.

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Summary of Allergic Rhinitis/Hay fever:

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to specific allergens. Pollen is the most common allergen responsible. Worldwide 10-30 % people are suffering from this condition.

Causes of allergic rhinitis?

• Tree pollen
• Grass pollen
• Dust mites
• Animal dander
• Cat saliva
• Mold

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy nose
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Dark circles under the eyes
• Headaches
• Dry, itchy skin
• Hives
• Fatigue

Types of allergic rhinitis:

Two types, seasonal and perennial.

Seasonal allergies occur only on a particular season.

Occur during the spring and fall season.

This occurs mainly due to outdoor allergens like pollen.

In perennial allergies, symptoms of allergy are present throughout the year.

House dust mites and animal dander are the most important allergen.

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis:

Clinical history and allergy test are the most important. Finding the causes of AR  is important to formulate the management plan.

1. Skin prick test:

   SPT is one of the most common and most useful test. It is useful to find out the cause of AR. It is very sensitive and cheap test.

2. A blood test, or RAST/ Immunocap

Skin Prick Test: Most commonly performed test.

1. First a small drop of the possible antigen /allergen is placed on your skin.
2. Then the  doctor will lightly prick the spot with a sterile lancets through the drop.
3. There after wait for 15-20 minutes.
4. Wheal and flare at the site of pricking indicate positive test. Usually, the larger the wheal, the more likely you are to be allergic.
5. A positive test only indicates that the person is sensitized. Clinical correlation is necessary.

Allergen specific IgE testing:

Usually performed when the skin prick test is contraindicated. This test is suitable for infant and elderly.