How to recognize allergic rhinitis
21% of adult Spaniards suffer from allergic rhinitis, a chronic respiratory disease that causes sneezing, a runny nose, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms, however, can easily be mistaken for a common cold or other more serious infections.
According to estimates by the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), 1 in 4 people suffers from some type of allergy, with respiratory problems being the most frequent. With a prevalence of between 20 and 40%, they affect more than 6% of the global population and more than 21% of the population of Spain.
The symptoms involved fit the most common clinical picture seen by primary care providers: congestion and runny nose, loss of smell, sneezing, and eye irritation. These symptoms, also given the highly variable weather typical of this season, can easily be confused with a common cold or an infection of another type.
Key aspects of allergic rhinitis
First of all, allergic rhinitis is a chronic respiratory disease. This does not mean that its symptoms are always present, but that the inflammatory predisposition persists over time, even if its symptoms appear intermittently.
It is characterized by nasal passage hyperactivity that causes sneezing, a runny nose, and an itchy sensation, which usually also triggers conjunctivitis or an earache and is often linked to the onset of bronchial asthma. In fact, 70% of asthmatics also suffer concurrently from allergic rhinitis.
This reaction usually occurs as a result of inhaling environmental allergens, the most common being seasonal pollen, dust mites, mould, or pet fur. Added to this is urban pollution (mainly from cars), increasing allergic inflammation and the formation of IgE (the antibody that attacks parasites). In the most severe cases, it may lead to problems such as poor sleep, exacerbated asthma or ear infections (this last one particularly in children) or sinusitis.
Why are nasal washes important?
The nasal cavity acts as the first filter against pollutants. Saline solutions, especially seawater, help to:
- To remove allergens and debris by cleaning out the nasal mucosa and its small extensions..
- Decrease congestion, fluidize and eliminate accumulated secretions, facilitating breathing.
- Reduce the presence of microorganisms and organic remains, to hinder bacterial proliferation.
- Moisturize and soothe the mucosa, reducing the intensity of the typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Steps to follow in the event of allergic rhinitis
In the presence of recurrent or chronic rhinitis, these are some steps to consider:
- Let the process evolve for a few days to find out whether or not it actually is an allergic condition.
- Consult a specialist. A questionnaire and/or tests will enable them to identify the trigger(s) of the allergic reaction.
- Take preventive measures to minimize contact with allergenic substances.
- Your doctor may recommend medication depending on the severity of your symptoms, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or decongestants.
- If symptoms of infection are present, antibiotics may also be prescribed.
- In some cases, immunotherapy, which involves gradually injecting the relevant allergen to reduce the body's sensitivity to it, may be considered appropriate.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are hard to precisely tell apart, so your steps will depend on your specific physiological reaction and its cause. In any case, diagnosis and prescription should always be done by a specialist physician.
