OVERVIEW

What is allergic rhinitis? 

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) refers to an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergens through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Despite being called hay fever and most people don’t get a fever. 

What are the classifications of allergic rhinitis? 

It can be classified as: 

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis- Commonly called hay fever, where symptoms get worse during specific seasons, often due to pollen.
• Perennial allergic rhinitis- When symptoms are present throughout the year, typically due to allergens like dust mites, smoke, kitchen fumes, strong scents, or pet dander.

How common is allergic Rhinitis? 

It is an extremely common condition worldwide, affecting approximately 10 -30% of the global population, according to various studies. Its prevalence can vary by region, age, and environment. Understanding its prevalence and triggers can help in better diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies. 

CAUSES 

What causes allergic rhinitis (Hay fever)? 

Allergic rhinitis occurs when the  body’s immune system reacts to an irritant in the air. The irritants (allergens) are tiny enough to be inhaled easily through the nose or mouth. 

What are the risk factors for allergic rhinitis? 

Some factors that may increase the risk of allergic rhinitis: 

• Family history: If you have a family history of allergies, you may be more prone to getting the same condition.
• Exposure to allergens: living in environments with high levels of allergens (e.g., areas with a lot of pollen or pet dander) increase your risk.
• Other allergic conditions: People with other allergies, such as food allergies, eczema, or asthma, are at greater risk of developing allergic rhinitis.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?  

Nasal symptoms –  

• Sneezing – It occurs often in fits, particularly in the morning or when exposed to the allergens like pollen or dust.
• Nasal congestion – Swelling of the nasal lining makes it hard to breathe through the nose, leading to a sensation of a blocked or stuffy nose.
• Runny nose – Transparent, watery discharge from the nose due to increased mucous production as a response to the allergens. It could be bland or acrid in character.
• Itchy nose – A tingling or scratchy feeling in the nose, often due to frequent rubbing or scratching.
• Post-Nasal drip – Excess mucous dripping down the back of the throat, which can cause irritation and coughing. It gets bad at night while sleeping.

Eye symptoms –  

• Itchy eyes (Allergic conjunctivitis) – The eyes may feel itchy, irritated, or even painful. Rubbing the eyes can worsen symptoms.
• Watery eyes – due to increased production of water from tear glands, especially in response to allergens like dust, pollens, etc.  
• Redness and Swelling – The eyes may become red, inflamed, and puffy, giving a “swollen” or “allergic shiners” appearance.

Throat symptoms –  

• Itchy throat and cough – This can cause discomfort and may trigger frequent throat clearing. Often caused by post-nasal drip, where mucous drips into the throat and irritates it, leading to dry cough.

Ear symptoms – 

• Ear fullness or pressure – The ears can feel blocked or stuffy, sometimes leading to temporary hearing difficulties.
• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction – Inflammation may affect the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to back of the throat, leading to discomfort.

Headache –  

• Due to sinus pressure, inflammation can affect the sinuses, leading to sinus congestion and a dull headache, especially and dark circles under your eyes.
• Ongoing nasal symptoms and facial pressure can also contribute to tension headaches.

DIAGNOSIS

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed? 

Allergic rhinitis is usually diagnosed based on- 

• Medical history – Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, family history of allergies, and potential triggers.
• Physical examination – The doctor will examine the nose and throat to check for signs of inflammation.
• Allergy tests – Skin tests or blood tests can help identify specific allergens responsible for your symptoms.

TREATMENT

What are the treatment options for allergic rhinitis? 

There are several treatment strategies available: 

Avoidance –

The first step is avoiding allergens when possible (e.g., staying indoors during peak pollen seasons, using allergen-proof bedding). 

Medications –  

• Antihistamines: these can help reduce allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.
• Nasal corticosteroids: these are quite effective in reducing inflammation and controlling symptoms.
• Decongestants: these can provide relief from nasal congestion but should be used for short periods only.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonist: These medications can help reduce allergy symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes with burning, runny nose, etc.

Immunotherapy –

It involves gradually increasing exposure to allergens through regular injections or sublingual tablets to help the body build tolerance over time. 

Nasal saline irrigation –

This method helps clear mucous and allergens from the nasal passages. 

HOMEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT 

Can allergic rhinitis be cured with homeopathy? 

Yes, allergic Rhinitis can be taken care off with homeopathic medicines permanently and without leaving any side effects. Since there are no side effects of the medicines anyone can take them and get relieved from the symptoms without any steroids. 

How homeopathy helps with cases of allergic rhinitis? 

Homeopathic treatment for allergic rhinitis often involves individualization based on the patient’s specific symptoms, overall health, and constitutional type. Remedies may help by reducing sensitivity to allergens, strengthening the body’s immune response, and promoting a more balanced reaction to environmental triggers. 

What are the best homeopathic medicines for allergic rhinitis? 

Here are some of the homeopathic remedies commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis, based on specific symptom: 

• Allium cepa: This remedy acts well in cases of watery eyes, sneezing, burning sensations in the nose and eyes. It is helpful for symptoms that resemble the effects of exposure to allergens like pollen or strong scents. Aggravation: In warm room, strong odors, at night, exposure to cold air, dry weather. Amelioration from fresh air, cool environment, cold application, rest, open air. 

• Arsenic album: When the patient has restlessness, burning sensations in the nose or eyes, frequent sneezing. This remedy is also used for runny noses with clear, watery discharge. All the symptoms are aggravated at night. Aggravation: In cold weather or cold air, midnight, after eating, exposure to dampness. Amelioration from warmth, rest, open air, warm drinks, gentle motion, better in an upright position, during the day. 

• Sabadilla: Patient having paroxysms of sneezing often triggered by irritants like dust, pollens, or strong odors. Constant sensation of tickling and itching in the nose, profuse watery eyes, and nasal discharge. Aggravation: From exposure to dust, strong odors, cold air, and change in temperature.  Amelioration: In open air, cool environment, after sneezing, rest, warmth, gentle motion. 

• Euphrasia: Best suited medicine for profuse watery eyes with little or no nasal discharge. The patients have bland discharge from the eyes. Often, symptoms worsen in the evening or in warm room. Better in cool, fresh air, open air, after blowing the nose, in a warm room, during the day, after discharge.
• Histaminum: It is used for treating allergic reactions that cause symptoms like itching, swelling, and hives. When there are typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including runny nose, sneezing, and itching in nostrils. Aggravated by exposure to allergens, heat and humidity, strong exercises, change of weather. Ameliorated by fresh, cool air, rest, dry environments.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

How can I differentiate between allergic rhinitis and other nasal conditions? 

Conditions that can mimic allergic rhinitis include: 

• Non-allergic rhinitis: This condition also causes nasal symptoms but is not related to allergens. It can be triggered by irritants like smoke, strong odors, or certain medications.
• Sinusitis: Chronic inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause symptoms like those of allergic rhinitis, such as congestion and postnasal drip.
• Viral infections: these can also lead to a stuffy or runny nose, but they typically involve other symptoms like fever or body aches.

Can food allergies cause rhinitis? 

While food allergies are not typically a direct cause of allergic rhinitis, they can lead to allergic reactions that affect the nose, mouth, or throat. In some cases, individuals with food allergies may also experience allergic rhinitis-like symptoms. 

When do people usually get Allergic Rhinitis? 

Hay fever can occur at any time of the year. Seasonal allergies usually occur in the spring, summer and early fall when trees and weeds bloom and pollen counts are higher. But pollen seasons may vary depending on your location, as well.

Can allergic rhinitis be cured? 

There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, but symptoms can be effectively managed with a combination of medications and avoidance strategies. Immunotherapy is the closest treatment to a potential “long-term solution” as it can reduce sensitivity to allergens over time. 

Is allergic rhinitis the same as the common cold? 

No, while the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the common cold may overlap, there are differences: 

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by allergens and often occurs in specific seasons or environments. 

The common cold is caused by viruses and typically lasts for a few days to a week. 

Can children get allergic rhinitis? 

Yes, allergic rhinitis can affect children, and it often develops between the ages of 2 and 6. In children, it can lead to poor sleep quality, difficulty concentrating at school, and increased risk for other allergic conditions, such as asthma.