Understanding allergic rhinitis

Nasal congestion is a common symptom when you have a cold or the flu. For some, this irritating and uncomfortable symptom can appear even when they are not sick. This is due to a condition called allergic rhinitis, a common condition that affects 10-30% of people. This condition can be seasonal or chronic, depending on what is triggering it, making even the simplest tasks more challenging.

Luckily, it is relatively easy to manage, and with a little understanding, the right medication, and a few lifestyle adjustments, you can finally breathe easy.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis received its common name, hay fever, in the 19th century when it was first described. During this time, people believed that it was caused by freshly cut hay; however, with advances in medical research, it was quickly discovered that there was no link to hay.

Instead, researchers realised that the symptom they found were caused by your body overreacting to tiny particles called allergens. These allergens float around in the air we breathe, entering our bodies through our nose as we breathe. Once inhaled, your body views the allergen as a threat and treats these particles in the same way it might treat a virus, triggering the well-known symptoms like nasal congestion. The allergens vary from person to person but commonly include pollen, mould spores, pet dander, and dust mites.

Does allergic rhinitis ever go away?

Unfortunately, medical professionals agree that there is no permanent cure for allergic rhinitis. This does not mean the situation is without a silver lining for some. Around 50% of sufferers will experience a drop in the severity of their symptoms, and for about 20%, the symptoms can go away completely. However, for the vast majority of sufferers, it will likely be a constant companion.

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How can you manage allergic rhinitis?

Managing this common condition often includes the use of medications alongside minor lifestyle changes to help you avoid triggers.

Medication

Antihistamine medications can help relieve some of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, antihistamines do not tend to address symptoms like congestion directly; rather, they block histamine, the chemical compound your immune system produces in response to the allergen.

Including a decongestant medication in your management regime can help to manage symptoms like nasal congestion. An example of a nasal decongestant is the Sinucon nasal drops. These drops help to reduce swelling in the nasal passage by narrowing blood vessels. This helps to open up airways allowing you to breathe easy.

Avoid known triggers

In order for you to avoid triggers, you must first know what they are. Each person is different, so keeping a journal can be helpful in identifying what your specific triggers are. Armed with this knowledge, you can then take steps to avoid coming into contact with the allergen or take preventative measures, like taking an allergy medication before exposure.

Create an allergy-free home

We spend a lot of our free time at home, so the last thing you want is to be sneezing and itching while you try to relax. Regularly vacuuming your house, making use of pollen filters on air conditioning units and grooming pets often can help keep allergens at bay.

Avoid keeping flowers in the house

Pollen is one of the most common allergens to cause allergic rhinitis. Although a bunch of flowers may brighten a room, it may also bring on a bout of nasal congestion.

Allergic rhinitis is a very common condition and one with which many are familiar. While there may not currently be a cure available, by understanding the condition it is possible to deal with the symptoms. Allergy medications and decongestants like Sinucon nasal drops can help manage symptoms during an episode, while identifying and avoiding triggers can help you avoid a reaction, helping you breathe easy once again.

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Understanding allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis received its common name, hay fever, in the 19th century when it was first described. Learn everything you need to know about this common and annoying