Allergic Rhinitis and its causes

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Jul 23, 2020 • 2 min Read

If you have been sneezing again and again, if your nose is runny, or if your eyes are often watery and itchy, you may have allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy, also known as hay fever, is a reaction to airborne allergens. 10-30% of the world’s total population is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI).

Allergic rhinitis is said to be prevalent in Filipinos, many have it. A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) says allergic rhinitis affects one in every five Filipinos. The three most common aeroallergens here in the Philippines, according to health experts are house dust mites (87 percent), house dust (83%), and cockroaches (41%). Other aeroallergens include mold spores, cat/dog hair/dander, and pollen from grass, weeds, and trees.

However, symptoms may also be triggered by common irritants such as perfumes or hair sprays, laundry detergents, cosmetics, cigarette smoke, cleaning solutions, chlorine in swimming pools, car exhaust, or wood. When you inhale any of these allergens, your immune system reacts with symptoms such as runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, itchy eyes, mouth or skin, and stuffy nose.

There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, but you can manage an attack. You can treat your allergic rhinitis in several ways. These include medications, as well as home remedies and possibly alternative medicines. You can take antihistamines to treat allergies. They work by stopping your body from making histamine. Cetirizine and loratadine are common antihistamines which can reduce allergy symptoms. It is usually recommended for those suffering from allergic rhinitis. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine for they will be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice.

According to allergy experts, one way of controlling rhinitis is to avoid the allergens that trigger rhinitis attacks. Here are some treatment and management of allergic rhinitis, from The Filipino Doctor:

– Control dust and dust mites at home

– Avoid carpet, upholstered furniture, and heavy drapes that collect dust

– Remove “dust collectors” from bedrooms i.e. stuffed toys, wall hangings, books, etc.

– Wash beddings, including pillowcases and mattress covers, in hot water every two weeks

– Keep pet outdoors

– Avoid smoking

Stay healthy, safe, and breathe freely!