Prevention of Allergic Rhinitis

1) Department of Internal Medicine, Athena Villa dei Pini Clinic, Piedimonte Matese (CE);

2) Division of Internal Medicine, A.G.P. Piedimonte Matese (CE);

Complications

Allergic rhinitis is often underestimated, but it can seriously worsen patients' quality of life; this worsening is even comparable to that induced by asthma and other chronic diseases, which is why allergic rhinitis must be treated adequately.

During exposure to pollen, patients suffering from rhinitis show a decline in the quality of life, not only for the classic nasal symptoms, but also for the onset of headache, fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating; there is also a worsening of the quality of sleep, which is crucial for physical and mental health.

Sleep also depends on good nasal function; therefore, during allergic exposure the nasal obstruction alters the sleep of patients, with a consequent reduction in the ability to concentrate during the day and sleepiness.

Numerous studies have shown a worsening of daytime sleepiness, quality of life and sleep quality in rhinitis during allergic exposure. These alterations are linked to the severity of the rhinitis, since 80% of subjects suffering from moderate rhinitis. severe report a decline in their quality of life, compared to 40% for mild rhinitis.

The subjects with important symptoms are also those who have more days of absenteeism from work and a reduction in their work performance.The problem is particularly evident in the pediatric age, when the symptoms of uncontrolled rhinitis cause irritability, difficulty in concentrating and an "evident reduction in school performance.

Prevention

The prevention of allergic rhinitis and associated pathologies is essentially based on the "removal of the" allergen, in particular mites, animal derivatives and molds.

To reduce the risk of indoor allergy (indoors) it may be useful:

remove dust mites, which reproduce in places where dust tends to accumulate (for example sheets and blankets, upholstered furniture and carpets);
reduce pet dandruff (for example by washing them once a week);
prevent the infestation of cockroaches, which deposit eggs and leave behind excrements that can trigger the onset of allergies;
minimize molds, which take root in dark and humid places.

To limit the risks of outdoor allergy (outdoors):

engage in outdoor activities only when pollen concentration levels are low;
avoid going out into the open air for long periods of time between 5 and 10 in the morning, when the concentration levels of pollen are high;
while driving, keep the windows closed to reduce contact with pollen;
use an air conditioning system in the house and replace its filters frequently;
to prevent the accumulation of pollen on the body, take a shower and wash your hair every day;
change clothes upon returning home;
avoid contact with freshly cut grass and use a mask equipped with a pollen filter for gardening;
dry the laundry at home and not in the open air (pollen can accumulate on hanging clothes);
Frequently wash pets that spend a lot of time outdoors to remove pollen from their fur.

By Correspondence: Dr. Luigi Ferritto

Department of Internal Medicine Clinical Respiratory Physiopathology Unit "Athena" Villa dei Pini
Piedimonte Matese (CE)