Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is the medical term used to describe an inflammation of the lining of the nose caused by an allergy rather than an infection, such as the common cold. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a 'runny' nose and sneezing, which often occurs in bouts of several sneezes. The nose, palate (roof of the mouth), and sometimes the ears, may be itchy. When the nose is not discharging, it may feel blocked because the tissues are swollen. Often, allergic conjunctivitis occurs at the same time. You may need to distinguish allergic rhinitis from the non-allergic kind, which can occur when you eat spices or hot food, drink caffeine, or are exposed to irritant chemicals, such as tobacco smoke or perfume. A runny nose is a side effect of a number of medicines, so if your symptoms begin after you have just started a new prescription you should consult your doctor.

Home Remedies for Allergic Rhinitis

If you know that pollens are the cause of your rhinitis, smearing some petroleum jelly inside your nose can be very effective. This is because pollen grains split and release their aggravating contents after landing on a watery surface, not a greasy one. Always make sure you reapply the cream after blowing your nose.

What you eat during the pollen season may increase your sensitivity as the allergens in pollen are similar to those found in some foods. Most people find that they can eat the problem foods without any difficulties at other times of the year. If your symptoms improve after avoiding the foods listed below, it is worth challenging yourself with each food separately, as you may find you don't need to avoid them all.

If you react to tree pollens - symptoms occur from midwinter onwards - avoid:

• hazelnuts, celery, carrots, swede (rutabaga), parsnips and potatoes (including peeling potatoes).

If you react to grass and cereal pollens - symptoms occur in early summer - avoid:

• milk (cow's, ewe's and goat's), and all milk products, including cheese and yogurt.
• related cereals: wheat, barley, rye, oats, corn (maize), wild rice.
• other foods: all beans and lentils, including peanuts (groundnuts), soya and soya products, liquor-ice, tapioca, and senna (which may be present in medication).

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment Information

Treatment, which can be either conventional or homeopathic, should begin as soon as symptoms appear and includes:

• Antihistamines by mouth.
• Steroid nasal sprays: these are both safe and usually very effective when they are used every day, though it may take up to two weeks for symptoms to subside.
• Intramuscular steroid injections: these are usually reserved for severe symptoms that do not respond to the above measures.
• Homeopathic medicines.

Caution: Avoid nasal decongestants as they can cause rebound swelling and discharge form the nose, making it almost impossible to stop using them, although applying steroid nasal sprays for a couple of weeks usually helps. You then need to decrease the decongestant, one nostril at a time, before stopping it completely. Expect to have a few days of discomfort during this time.

Try to identify your allergens and avoid them or consider homeopathic desensitization or neutralization.

Consider specific dietary options. If pollens cause your symptoms, see home remedies above; otherwise consider trying a low salicylate diet, which may be particularly helpful if you have had nasal polyps, and/or excluding other additives.

Alternative therapies that may be alleviate symptoms include homeopathy and aromatherapy.

Allergic Rhinitis Causes

• Airborne allergens, such as pollen of all types, house-dust mites and their faeces, mould spores, animal dander and feather and household sprays.
• Occupational allergens, such as grains and their flours, wood dust, plastics and epoxy resins, latex (rubber).
• Ingested allergens in food and food additives. Bear in mind that ingested allergens will always cause other symptoms elsewhere at the same time.