The causes of allergic rhinitis can vary according to where the person lives. Usually, certain allergens are responsible for increasing irritation of the nasal mucosa, among which we can highlight:
- Household dust mites: in Brazil, dust mites are the main cause of allergic rhinitis because the hot and humid climate favors its multiplication, especially in the rooms. Mites feed on all types of organic matter, such as paper, wool, animal hair, fungi and peeling skin. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the room in a more efficient and detailed way, using dehumidifiers, sterilizers and more powerful vacuum cleaners; Plant pollen: normally people complain more in the early spring, worsening in the morning and on windy days. Some say they get better from the symptoms when it rains; Fungi: it is also known as “mold”, exists in the air and develops more in the autumn. Those allergic to fungi, report more complaints at night, in humid environments, feeling better in dry environments; Hair and feathers of domestic animals, especially cats and dogs, so anyone who has an allergy should not have these animals indoors; Environmental pollutants such as perfumes, disinfectants and pool chlorine, cigarette smoke and air conditioning when your filter is not properly cleaned.
In addition, certain foods can cause or worsen allergies in general, the most common are egg, chocolate, fish, wheat, gluten, artificial colors, cow's milk, peanuts, among others. Check a more complete list at: Foods that cause or worsen allergy.
Allergic Rhinitis Treatments
The treatment for allergic rhinitis should include aspects related to cleaning the place where the person lives or spends most of his time, but the use of medicines and taking allergy vaccines, which can even cure some allergies, may also be indicated.
Initially, crises should always be prevented by avoiding contact with the agents that cause allergic symptoms. If the person still does not know what the allergens are, from the age of 10 he can already perform allergy tests on the skin to identify them.
It is very common for people to get used to the symptoms and only see a doctor when more serious problems occur. However, it is important to encourage treatment as soon as possible, as recent studies have shown that people with allergic rhinitis, even moderate, can impair attention and psychomotor skills.
Rhinitis Remedies
Rhinitis remedies should be prescribed by your doctor whenever prevention and removal of allergens are not effective. Treatment will depend on the type and severity of symptoms, age and the existence of associated diseases. The following medications are normally used:
- Oral antihistamines - block the effects of histamine that cause allergic rhinitis. They usually improve symptoms such as sneezing, itching and runny nose, but they are not as effective against nasal congestion. They are usually taken in tablets and can cause some sleepiness, making learning and concentration difficult in children, and medical advice is essential. The most common are: Loratadine, desloratadine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, diphenhydramine, clemastine and fexofenadine. Among these, new formulas that contain loratadine and cetirizine, cause little or no drowsiness. Nasal decongestants: help to reduce the symptoms of nasal congestion, reducing secretions, but should not be used for more than three consecutive days as they can cause dependence. The most used substances are pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and oxymetazoline. Nasal corticosteroids: they are usually the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and work very well when used to prevent them, that is, they can be used outside of crises. The options are: fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide, flunisolide, triamcinolone and beclomethasone. Allergy vaccines: are recommended if the cause of the allergy cannot be prevented and the symptoms are difficult to control. It consists of taking regular injections of the allergen, administered in increasing doses, helping the body to adapt to the antigen. Currently, there are vaccines against allergies to pollen, dust mites and animal hair, for example.
Treatment is usually done for life.
Natural treatment
The natural treatment for rhinitis can be done through the care of the hygiene of the nostrils several times a day, with saline solution or saline solution, in order to remove mucus from the nose. You can also drink pineapple juice with apple and honey twice a day, steam bath with eucalyptus tea and salt every night before bed and inhale with propolis spray. To reduce rhinitis symptoms try this juice: Natural remedy for rhinitis.
