WHAT IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Allergic rhinitis is a form of nasal allergy. The causes of the allergy include air-borne pollen, dust, mould, foods like prawn, crabs and squid, house mites and animal (cat and dog) dander.
Allergens stimulate white blood cells in the blood and tissues to release histamine into the circulation. This causes fluid to leak from blood vessels into the tissues of the nasal passageways, leading to nasal congestion symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
Sneezing
Itchy nose, throat, ears and mouth
A running nose and/or blocked nose
Puffy, itchy, watery and red eyes
Decrease sense of smell and taste
Excess mucus accumulates in the throat, causing a cough
Allergic rhinitis symptoms are often worse in the morning and on windy days (when air-borne pollen levels are highest). People who have allergic rhinitis often also suffer from other allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema (an itchy skin rash) or hives (itchy, lumpy skin).
SELF CARE GUIDE
If your eyes are itchy, red and irritated, rinse your eyes with cool, clean water or artificial tears.
Use saline solution to irrigate your nose to soothe allergies by removing irritants that are lodged in the nose.
Soak a cloth in warm water and place it over your face to soothe the congested and painful nose.
Have enough sleep – being tired may make symptoms worse.
Maintain good health practices: exercise daily, stop smoking, avoid other air pollutants, and eat a balanced diet
Wear sunglasses on windy days to protect the eyes from any airborne allergens.
Try to avoid extra irritants such as smoke and chemical fumes.
OTHER USEFUL TIPS
Keep air conditioners and filters clean
Remove house and garden plants that trigger allergic reactions
Wear a mask when mowing lawns or house-cleaning
Clean your house regularly preferably using damp cloth and vacuum cleaner instead of sweeping
Remove dust collectors such as carpets, dried flowers and upholstered furniture
Don’t allow dander-producing animal (i.e. cats, dogs, etc.) in the house
Use low- allergy bedding products, preferably synthetic material
TREATMENT
SELF MEDICATION GUIDE- Medication for Allergic Rhinitis
(please click on the medication name below for further information):
WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR?
Consult a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur with your allergy symptoms. These symptoms may indicate bacterial infection.
High temperature
Earache
Swollen glands in the neck
Yellow or creamy discharge from the nose or eyes
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Persistent cough
REFERENCES
1. Website: http://www.niaid.nih.gov
2. Website: http://www.emedicinehealth.com
Health and Research A to Z, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Mac 2010Pharmacy Self Care Health Information, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, November 2008.
DUTA KENALI UBAT ANDA
KENALI.UBAT.ANDA@MOH.GOV.MY
