Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an inflammatory condition affecting the nasal passages and respiratory system. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the environment or body gets allergic to any food items. Mostly the main reason for body to be over reactive is unknown, but it mainly supposed to be occurred due to chronic stress, lifestyle disorders, lack of sleep, not having proper diet and lack of enough hydration. Let’s, find out in this blog abouts symptoms, supposed causes, treatment line and more regarding allergic rhinitis:

Symptoms

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can vary in severity and may include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or runny nose
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Breathlessness
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Fatigue (due to disrupted sleep)
• Headache
• Pain over cheek area and sinus

Types of Allergic Rhinitis

There are two primary types of allergic rhinitis:

1. 1. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis:
      • Often caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
      • Symptoms typically occur during specific seasons (spring, summer, or fall).
   2. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis:
      • Caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach droppings.
      • Symptoms can occur year-round.
   3. Food Born Allergic Rhinitis:
      • Caused by intake of some food items like wheat, peanuts, eggs, legumes, diary, cold items, some fruits like banana or papaya etc.
      • Symptoms occur just after taking that food item or after 24 to 48 hrs. of their intake depends on severity of allergy with that item.

Causes

The triggers for allergic rhinitis primarily include:

• Pollen: From trees, grasses, and weeds.
• Dust Mites: Microscopic organisms found in bedding and upholstery.
• Mold Spores: Fungi that thrive in damp environments.
• Pet Dander: Skin flakes and saliva from animals like cats and dogs.
• Food Items: Food Allergen like certain protein, gluten, fruits, meat and chicken, dairy may trigger it.
• Changed Season: Mostly Autum, Spring, Fall or Rainy season may trigger it in many people.
• Cold Items: Ice-creams, Cold Beverages, Cold Milk Packets, Curd from Fridge etc.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:

• Skin Prick Test: To identify specific allergens by pricking and inducing allergens into the skin.
• Blood Tests: To measure IgE antibodies related to allergies. It may be done by RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test) or by Rapid Enzymes Test (ELISA).

Treatment Options

Treatment for allergic rhinitis generally includes:

• Avoidance of Triggers: Identifying and minimizing exposure to known allergens.
• Increase of Body Immunity: By increasing body immunity by proper intake of healthy food rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Prebiotics and Probiotics also helps in gut health (leaky gut) with is indirectly related to these allergies.
• Detoxifying Body: Removing toxins from the body is also a way to decrease the impact of triggers on to the body. It can be done via. Detox drinks, Panchkarmas, Satvik Food intake under the observation of certified practitioner.
• Reducing Inflammation: Having Anti Inflammatory food and following Ayurvedic principles leads to decrease in body inflammation and hence reduces autoimmune symptoms and sensitivity for the triggers. Some herbs and spices also help in subsiding the symptoms.
• Stress Management: High levels of Cortisol, a stress hormone also plays important role in triggering allergies. It increases the level of inflammations in the body and make body vulnerable to non-harmful items too. Manage stress by Mindfulness activities like Meditation, Journal Writing, Gratitude Practice and you will see changes slowly.
• Proper Sleep & Hydration: In modern world we neglect Sound Sleep and Water Intake mostly and this leads to hormonal imbalances and inflammations in the body. Try to settle down these two with other parameters and it will lead to lower the inflammation of the body.
• Simple Workouts: A simple walk can help in boosting health of respiratory system. Exercise like walk, yoga, deep breathing helps in maintaining the stress too, by releasing happy hormones which helps in reducing inflammation in the body.

Medications

Common medications used to manage symptoms include:

• Antihistamines: Help relieve sneezing and itching.
  • Examples: Cetirizine, Loratadine, Montelukast
• Decongestants: Reduce nasal congestion.
  • Examples: Pseudoephedrine
• Nasal Corticosteroids: Decrease inflammation in the nasal passages.
  • Examples: Fluticasone, Budesonide

Immunotherapy

For long-term relief, immunotherapy may be considered. Immunotherapy involves the administration of allergens to gradually desensitize the immune system. This method aims to modify the underlying allergic response rather than merely alleviating symptoms.

Types of Immunotherapies

1. Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT):
   • Involves regular injections of increasing doses of allergens.
   • Typically administered over a period of several months to years.
   • Can lead to long-lasting relief from symptoms even after treatment has stopped.
2. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT):
   • Involves placing allergen tablets or drops under the tongue.
   • Offers a convenient alternative to injections and may be easier for patients to self-administer.
   • Suitable for specific allergens, particularly pollen and dust mites.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which immunotherapy works includes:

• Tolerization: Gradually induces tolerance in the immune system, reducing its overreaction to allergens.
• IgE Regulation: Shifts the immune response from IgE-mediated reactions (which cause allergy symptoms) towards IgG responses, which can block allergens.
• Changes in Immune Cell Population: Alters the balance of T-helper cells, promoting a shift from Th2 (allergic) responses towards Th1 (non-allergic) profiles.

Benefits of Immunotherapy

• Long-term Relief: Provides sustained symptom relief even after discontinuation.
• Reduced Medication Dependence: Patients may require fewer medications for symptom management.
• Improved Quality of Life: Many patients report enhanced overall well-being and reduced impact on daily activities.

Considerations and Risks

While immunotherapy can be highly effective, it does come with considerations:

• Time Commitment: Treatment requires consistent appointments over an extended period.
• Potential Side Effects: Reactions can range from mild (itching or swelling at the injection site) to severe (anaphylaxis).
• Not Suitable for Everyone: Certain health conditions or specific allergies may limit eligibility for immunotherapy.

Allergic Rhinitis should be managed properly as early as possible, otherwise it may be shifted to Asthmatic conditions. A person with allergic rhinitis firstly starts with having medicines to control the symptoms and later on slow but permanent treatment should be started.  Lifestyle changes are must to treat gut health and inflammations it includes proper and timely food intake, enough water and sleep, movement of the body and stress management. Try to stay away from the allergens it may be weather, food items, or any pollen and mites. Have Happy Breathing! & Joyous Life!

Thanks to God for Every Breathe you take, because some are fighting for easy breathing regularly.

Lots of Love

Sculpting Lifestyle

Disclaimer: This article is purely for information purpose; it is not a substitute for any medical treatment and therapy. Consult healthcare provider or dietician for proper guidance.