Treatment of allergic rhinitis

Causes and symptoms of allergies

This is the immune system’s response to substances such as grass and tree pollen, mold spores, house dust or animal dandruff (hanging fur or peeled pet skin). Symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, headache, dizziness, scratching in the throat and sneezing.

The cause of allergic rhinitis and hay fever is common allergy on pollen, fungi, hair, fur, dust. These substances are harmless to most people, but in people who suffer from allergies to inhalation, they cause a hypertrophied immune response. This causes a cascade of biochemical reactions, which leads to a mass release into the blood of histamine and other chemical compounds that cause inflammation and the formation of mucus in the nasal passages and sinuses.

Similarities and differences between allergic and non-allergic rhinitis

From a medical point of view, rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which is characterized by rhinorrhea (front and back), sneezing, nasal congestion and / or itchy nose. These symptoms occur for at least two consecutive days and last for more than 1 hour most days.

There are two main forms of rhinitis: allergic and non-allergic.

Symptoms that develop in the nasal cavity as a result of an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction are allergic rhinitis (AR). AR is the most common form of non-infectious rhinitis, which develops as a result of an IgE-mediated immune response to allergens. AR is often accompanied by ocular symptoms.

For all other forms of rhinitis in which the involvement of allergic mechanisms has not been proven, it is suggested to turn to non-allergic rhinitis (NAR).

There is a detailed study of potential triggers and criteria for the differential diagnosis of AR and NAR. Many non-allergic effects are known to cause nasal symptoms that mimic allergic rhinitis. These include medications (aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), occupational factors, food, physical and chemical agents, stress, and viral infections.

Pathognomonic markers that distinguish allergic rhinitis from non-allergic rhinitis are actively sought. Different types of inflammatory reactions, especially eosinophilic inflammation, are the main ones in allergic reactions. However, the presence of an increased number of eosinophils, IL-5 or even polyclonal IgE in tissues and circulating blood, without significant antibody activity, does not necessarily mean an allergic reaction.

The same cytokines (interleukins) they produce immune system cells and / or effector cells and involved in beneficial and harmful effects are not necessarily markers of allergic reactions. It is known that various substances can act as polyclonal IgE stimulants. One example is Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins, sometimes called “superantigens”, which are apparently able to stimulate eosinophilic inflammation and IgE-mediated response in typical non-allergic nasal polyps. Another example is cigarette smoke. The microscopic and immunological appearance of the nasal mucosa in biopsy samples may be the same for classic allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

The first symptoms are irritation, secretions in the nose, throat, palate, inflammation and redness of the eyes. This is followed by runny nose, sneezing, shortness of breath, eye irritation. In some cases, conjunctivitis may develop.

Consequences of hay fever

Pollen fever can lead to worsening of chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, including infectious sinusitis, otitis, tracheitis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma. It also causes hypertrophy of the tonsils and adenoids, improper obstruction in children with oral breathing, loss of taste and smell, insomnia and increased asthma syndrome.

Allergies – hay fever and rhinitis

Prevention of hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Window nets and sunglasses greatly reduce pollen access.

The air conditioner keeps the home clean in the heat.

Ionizers help remove pollen, dust and other allergens in the air.

Mattress covers reduce dust irritation.

Diet for hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Vitamin C in combination with bioflavonoids acts as a natural antihistamine to stop colds or nasal congestion. Increase your vitamin C intake by consuming more citrus. Bioflavonoids are contained in citrus peel: cut the peel of grapefruit or orange and cook it with a little honey and water for 10 minutes. Eat one piece before bed and when you feel symptoms the next day. Vitamin C can be taken in an additional 500 mg. three times a day.

Pantothenic acid also relieves allergic symptoms. Take a dose of 200-500 mg. pantothenic acid and 50 mg. vitamin B complex daily.

Pollen dosing can prevent allergies, especially pollen fever: take 4-6 tablets a day for a few weeks before the fever season.

Licorice and beta-carotene also help – if you buy them from a pharmacy, follow the instructions, otherwise consult a naturopath or dietitian.

Aromatherapy of hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Dilute 1 drop of lavender oil in 5 ml of carrier oil, store in a glass bottle and lubricate the sinuses on both sides of the nose once a day.

Instead, you can dilute 1 drop of ergot oil in 5 ml. jojoba or almond oil and rub into the sinuses once a day.

Acupressure in hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

To relieve the headache, sneezing and pain in the eyes, find the tip of the muscle in the space between the index finger and the thumb, rub it well for about a minute and repeat the same with the other hand.

Caution: do not use during pregnancy!

To strengthen the immune system, find a point on the top of the forearm, between two bones, two fingers above the wrist, rub well with circular movements of the thumb.

Exercises for hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Regular exercise controls allergies, which often occur due to great stress. Try running early in the morning, brisk walking or swimming.

Traditional remedy for hay fever (allergic rhinitis)

Antihistamines are usually recommended. Occasionally, inhaled medications, including steroids, can alter and control allergy-induced asthma. In severe cases or when an immediate result is needed, an injection of cortisone is given, which brings relief for almost 3 months.

Homeopathic treatment of hay fever

A preliminary electronic publication based on a study examining the effectiveness of homeopathy in the treatment of pollinosis appeared in the International Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (TJACM). Kushal Banerjee, a fourth-generation homeopath from a family clinic in New Delhi, India, Robert Matti from the Institute of Homeopathy in London, Seira Costello from the London Department of Health Research at Imperial College, and Jeremy Hovik.

The researchers analyzed and systematized the results of 11 previous studies examining the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with glaucoma (grapefruit, an evergreen shrub that grows in Mexico and Central America) and other homeopathic remedies. 8 of these 11 studies were considered inappropriate due to the “high risk of systemic errors”. Three studies on the use of half-chemistry were assessed by experts as of different quality. Only one study proved reliable enough – about the use of homeopathic nasal spray.

Treatment of half-mimicry showed a small positive result in 2–4 weeks: the symptoms of rhinitis in patients using it decreased by 1.48 compared with 1.27 in the placebo group; symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis – by 1.55 compared to 1.37 in the control group. Homeopathic nasal spray does not differ in its action from the usual medicine.

“Since allergic rhinitis is one of the most common manifestations of allergies (according to some estimates, up to 500 million people suffer in the world), all methods of treating this condition are worth paying attention to,” said Kushal Banerjee.

In recent years, medical science has denied the possibility of treating allergic rhinitis with homeopathy. The World Health Organization is 2010. declared the effectiveness of such treatment unproven. However, many people still trust homeopathy more for fear of the serious side effects that traditional treatment can cause.