The nose is separated into two passages by a wall of cartilage called the septum. The nasal passages are lined with a membrane that produces a clear liquid called mucus. Mucus is a one of the body’s defense systems:
The mucus traps small particles and bacteria, which may enter the nose as a person breathes. The trapped bacteria usually do not cause harm in healthy individuals. However, the bacteria can lead to a daily cycle of congestion and decongestion.
Causes
The allergic process, called atop, and its connection to asthma is not completely understood. It involves various airborne allergens or other triggers that set off a cascade of events in the immune system leading to inflammation and hyperactivity in the airways.
The conductor in an orchestra of immune factors that contribute to allergies and asthma appears to be a category of white blood cells known as helper T cells, in particular a subgroup called Th2 cells.
Th2 cells overproduce interleukins (Ills), immune factors that are molecular members of a family called cytokines, which are involved in the inflammatory process.
Symptoms
The general symptoms of rhinitis are congestion, runny nose, and postnasal drip, in which mucous drips into the throat from the back of the nasal passage, especially when lying on the back. Symptoms may vary depending on the cause of rhinitis. Symptoms of influenza and sinusitis must also be differentiated from allergies and colds.
Nasal congestion and possibly plugged ears. Children may push their nose upward with the palm of their hand or twitch their nose rabbit-like to clear the obstruction.
Fatigue.
Mental changes can include irritability, a slight decrease in attention span, worsened memory, and slower thinking.
Treatment
If rhinitis is caused by non-allergic conditions, particularly if there are accompanying symptoms indicating a serious problem, the doctor should treat any underlying disorders. If rhinitis is caused by medications, such as decongestants, the patient may need to stop taking them or find alternatives.
Preventing the Onset of Allergy Attacks
Patients with chronic allergic rhinitis may require daily medications. Patients with severe seasonal allergies should start medications a few weeks before the pollen season and continue taking them until the season is over.
Effective medications include:
Drugs that reduce the inflammatory response are important for preventing severe allergic rhinitis. Nasal corticosteroids (commonly called steroids) are now considered to be the most effective measure for preventing allergy attacks. Other anti-inflammatory drugs include leukotriene-antagonists and nasal cromolyn.
Antihistamine tablets relieve sneezing and itching and can prevent nasal congestion before an allergy attack. Many brands are available by prescription and over-the-counter.
Immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) may be considered for patients with severe seasonal allergies that do not respond to treatment. It may also prevent asthma and the development of new allergies in children. Many experts now recommend immunotherapy for people with both asthma and allergies.
All drug treatments have side effects, some very unpleasant and, in rare cases, serious. Patients may need to try different drugs until they find one that relieves symptoms without producing excessively distressing side effects.
Other Treatments
For mild allergic rhinitis, a nasal wash can be helpful for removing mucus from the nose. You can purchase a saline solution at a drug store or made one at home (one cup of warm water, half teaspoon salt, pinch of baking soda). Over-the-counter saline nasal sprays that contain benzalkonium chloride as a preservative may actually worsen symptoms and infection.
Simple method for administering a nasal wash:
- Lean over the sink head down.
- Pour some solution into the palm of the hand and inhale it through the nose, one nostril at a time.
- Spit the remaining solution out.
- Gently blow the nose.
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