Definition
Allergic rhinitis (otherwise known as hay fever) is an inflammatory disease that affects the nasal mucous membranes.
Allergic rhinitis is triggered when the nasal mucosa comes into contact with particular types of substances called "allergens".
Causes
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an excessive response of the immune system following contact with environmental allergens.
The most common environmental allergens that lead to the onset of the disease are pollen, animal hair, dust and mold.
Individuals who are at greater risk of developing this condition are those who live in highly polluted environments and those with a family history of allergies.
Symptoms
The typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis are rhinorrhea (commonly called "runny nose"), nasal congestion, loss of the sense of smell and decreased sense of taste, nasal itching (which can also extend to the conjunctiva and palate ), headaches and sneezing.
Furthermore, it is not uncommon for individuals with allergic rhinitis to also experience symptoms such as conjunctival swelling and redness. In addition to this, people with allergic rhinitis often also suffer from asthma, allergic conjunctivitis or atopic dermatitis.
Allergic rhinitis can also lead to complications such as recurrent sinusitis, otitis media and hearing disorders, nasal polyp formation, sleep disturbances, and difficulties in learning and concentrating.
The information on Allergic Rhinitis - Allergic Rhinitis Cure Medicines is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Allergic Rhinitis - Allergic Rhinitis Cure Medicines.
Medicines
To prevent the onset of allergic rhinitis - in addition to the use of medicines - we try to avoid exposure to the allergen, even if this is not always possible.
The goal of drug treatment is to prevent or limit the symptoms caused by the disease.
The first-line therapy that you prefer to undertake for the treatment of allergic rhinitis is that based on antihistamine drugs, whose task is to reduce the activity of histamine, one of the chemical mediators involved in the inflammatory responses that are triggered during reactions allergic.
In addition to antihistamines, corticosteroid drugs can also be used, which reduce inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of the disease.
In addition, for the control of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, the use of decongestants, anticholinergics, cromolyn and sodium nedocromil and antagonists of the leukotriene receptor can also be useful.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in the therapy against allergic rhinitis and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.
