What is Rhinitis
Rhinitis is inflammation or edema of the mucous membrane that lines the nasal cavity. This may be due to a virus or to an allergen; and in cases where the cause is an allergen; the disease is referred to as ‘allergic rhinitis’.
In viral rhinitis, the complaints may last for 5 to 7 days and is not likely to recur. In allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, the complaints last throughout the year or they are just seasonal. The main complaints include nasal congestion, itching, sneezing spells, post-nasal drainage, and coughing.
What is Allergy
Allergy, also known as atopy, is an immune system disorder. It is also the first one of the hypersensitivity reactions. An allergy is an excessive immune system reaction that develops as a result of overstimulation of the immune system cells called mast cells and basophils, by an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
In short, it is an overreaction to a substance that does not cause a problem in normal people in other words, it is a false alarm.
This false alarm is called ALLERGIC RHINITIS when it occurs in the nose, ALLERGIC ASTHMA if it occurs in the lungs, ALLERGIC CONJOCTIVIT if it occurs in the eyes, and ALLERGIC DERMATITIS if it occurs on the skin. Both genetic and environmental factors are effective in the development of this condition.
What Complaints Does Allergic Rhinitis Cause?
There are sneezing spells, nasal congestion, itchy nose, runny nose, post-nasal drainage, facial pressure and edema. Under-eye circles, itching, watery discharge, and redness may be observed in the eyes and under-eye circles may develop. Burning sensation and pain in the throat, coughing, itching sensation, hoarseness and taste disturbances may develop.
It may cause frequent awakening, snoring, and dry throat during sleep. This can cause drowsiness and decreased performance during the day. Patients with allergic rhinitis are those with wet eyes and swollen under-eyes, who constantly sneeze and keep a handkerchief in their hands.
How Many Types Of Allergic Rhinit Are There?
In general, allergic rhinitis is classified into three types.
1-Seasonal allergic rhinitis: Complaints usually occur in the spring or fall. Allergens are tree pollen in the spring and grass pollen in the fall.
2-Year-long allergic rhinitis: Complaints last throughout the year. Allergens are house dust (mites), fungus, and animal hair.
3-Mixed type: Both types are observed in the same case. Allergic rhinitis usually starts seasonally and can transform into its year-long version over the years.
In Whom Does Allergic Rhinit Develop Commonly?
Allergic rhinitis is generally observed in socio-culturally high societies, and it affects one out of every 5 individuals. It is a genetic disease and environmental factors facilitate its emergence. Studies have revealed that the incidence rates of allergic rhinitis were lower in children living on farms compared to those living in cities.
Complaints in patients progress with different severities during different periods. The typical age of onset is usually 5 to 6 years, but the disease can also occur in the 30s or 40s. Change of city, job, environment, and school facilitates the emergence of the disease.
How is Allergic Rhinit Diagnosed?
Allergic rhinitis can be diagnosed by a doctor, based on the patient’s complaints and examination results. Allergy tests support the diagnosis and offer treatment alternatives. Even if the patient tests negative, it does not necessarily mean that the patient does not have allergic rhinitis.
If the patient tests positive and the allergen can be detected, the vaccine treatment can be offered as an alternative, and on the other hand, the exact substance to be protected from is also found. However, a positive test result is not a necessity for diagnosis.
Recurrent sneezing spells, nasal congestion, itchy nose and coughing spells are important complaints suggesting that the person may have allergic rhinitis.