What kind of disease is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to a specific substance (allergen) that causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Allergens include pollen, dust, pet hair, and mold spores.
When allergens enter the nose, the body recognizes them as foreign and produces antibodies.
The antibodies produced by repeated exposure to allergins react and substances such as histamine and leukotriene are secreted from cells called mast cells in the nasal mucosa.
This works on the blood vessels, causing them to swell and fluid in the blood to seep out, resulting in the symptoms of rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis can be divided into two types: seasonal and perennial.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis that occurs during certain seasons and is typically caused by pollen.
Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of rhinitis that manifests itself throughout the year and is often caused by dust, pet hair, or mold.
What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis are runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion.
In those with severe symptoms, general symptoms such as fatigue and malaise may accompany the disease.
Although not strictly a symptom of rhinitis, a similar allergic reaction can also be accompanied by symptoms such as itchy eyes, itchy throat, and cough.
What tests are performed when allergic rhinitis is suspected?
Allergic rhinitis is suspected when rhinitis symptoms occur under certain conditions.
To investigate the cause more precisely, a blood test called specific IgE antibody is performed.
This is a test for the presence of antibodies called IgE to various substances that may cause allergies.
IgE is an antibody that causes allergies. Results are graded on a 7-point scale, with 2 or higher being considered positive.
However, since a substance that tests positive in a blood test is not necessarily the cause of the allergy, the final decision must be made based on symptoms and progress.
Other tests may be performed on the nasal discharge or on the skin to see how it reacts to a potentially causative agent.
What is the treatment for allergic rhinitis?
Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes avoidance from allergens, treatment to control symptoms, and treatment to control the allergy itself.
For example, in the case of house dust, keep the room clean and use an air purifier; in the case of hay fever, wear a mask when going out and wash your clothes when you get home; and in the case of pet allergens, clean your pet's hair frequently and reduce contact as much as possible. If pets are allergens, take measures such as cleaning their hair frequently and reducing contact with them as much as possible.
Symptom control treatment involves the use of drugs that suppress histamine and leukotriene, which cause rhinitis symptoms, and steroid drugs that more potently suppress the immune system.
Usually, histamine-suppressing oral medications are used first, and nasal drops may be used in combination depending on the symptoms.
Treatment to suppress the allergy itself is called allergen immunotherapy.
This is a treatment in which the body is given small doses of the allergy-causing substance and gradually acclimates to it.
The most common method is to administer allergenic substances under the tongue (sublingual administration), which can currently be done for cedar pollen and dust mite allergies.
Allergic rhinitis can be treated appropriately to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
The following tests and treatments for allergic rhinitis are available at Ikejiri-Ohashi Sera Clinic.
The clinic specializes in orthopedics, internal medicine, and sports medicine and can provide a variety of tests and treatments.
The following tests and treatments for allergic rhinitis can be performed at our clinic
Examination: Blood test
Treatment: Prescription of medicines to suppress symptoms, allergen immunotherapy
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