Allergic Rhinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes that line the nose. Common symptoms include an itchy, runny, sneezy, or stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Often caused by pollen from trees, grass or weeds, it is most commonly known as hayfever.
Allergic rhinitis subsides with the onset of cold weather. Perennial allergic rhinitis, however, occurs year around and is caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold spores and animal dander.
Allergic rhinitis happens when an allergen - an allergy-producing substance, such as pollen - causes your body to defend itself by producing antibodies. When an allergen and an antibody combine, your body releases histamine and other chemical substances into your bloodstream, which causes an allergic response. Pollen, dust, mold or other substances that can be inhaled, are common allergens that cause symptoms.
Because different types of pollen dust and mold spores exist in various geographic locations, you may suddenly develop allergic rhinitis, if you move from place to place.
According to Zhang Tao, a rhinologist from Shuguang Hospital, allergic rhinitis is at its peak in spring and fall. "Every day, more than 10 people are affected with the disease," said Zhang. "And half of out-patients are white-collar workers who work in highrises by day and night."
Actually it is not always easy to diagnose allergic rhinitis. Many symptoms are similar to those of a cold. So, if you use cold medications, you may seem to improve for short periods of time. If you notice that you have symptoms every May or August and that the symptoms last for about the same amount of time each year, it is probably allergic rhinitis. If you have perennial allergic rhintis, it is even harder to diagnose because there is no clear pattern of illness. Sometimes you may take a blood and skin test to determine whether or not you have an allergy.
The causes
Chemical substances, such as histamine, are normally stored in mast cells in body tissues, including the nose and eyes. The allergic person forms antibodies against pollens and other allergens. These antibodies attach themselves to the mast cells, and when combined with the allergen, the result is the release of histamine and other chemical substances from mast cells. These chemical substances cause allergic responses such as itching, sneezing, congestion and dripping.
Prevention
Prevention is the best treatment for any disease. You can not prevent an allergy, but you can prevent a reaction. The most effective method you can use to prevent a reaction is to avoid the allergen that triggers your allergic response. Try these steps as well:
If you are allergic to warm-blooded animals, confine your pet to a particular area of your home. It is especially important to keep warm-blooded pets out of the bedroom. If the effects on your health are severe, consider giving your pet away.
Avoid pollen by using air conditioning, by avoiding outside activity during pollen season (from mid-April to early June) and by timing your vacation away from home to benefit your health.
Check the material from which your pillows and comforters are made. Feathers, foam rubber, or pillows more than five years old are often allergens.
Avoid dust and mold. Since this is difficult and it may be impractical for you to create an "allergy-proof" home, at least make sure your bedroom is as allergen-free as possible.
( Shanghai Star April 5, 2002)
