Allergic Rhinitis
Adults and children alike are having cough with watery nasal discharges, fever, body malaise and episodes of sneezing these days. There are many cases of respiratory tract infections. So, let us start to review on allergic rhinitis (AR).
Allergic Rhinitis is a type of inflammation in the nose that occurs when the immune system overreact to allergens in the air. The triggers of Allergic Rhinitis include:
– pollens
– dust mites
– molds
– animal / pet danders
– cockroach waste
– smoke
– strong odors
– air pollution
– cold temperature
– and high humidity.
The symptoms suggestive of Allergic Rhinitis are 2 or more of the following for more than 1 hour or most days. The symptoms include:
A. Watery anterior rhinorrhea
B. Sneezing especially paroxysmal
C. Nasal obstruction
D. Nasal pruritus
E. (+ ) (-) conjunctivitis
There are two classifications of Allergic Rhinitis:
A. Intermittent AR
– the symptoms occur <4 days / week or < 4 consecutive week
B. Persistent Allergic Rhinitis
– the symptoms occur > 4 days / week or >4 consecutive weeks
Allergic Rhinitis is a mild allergic rhinitis when:
– there is a normal sleep
– no interruptions of daily activity
– no interruptions of school or work
– and the symptoms are present but not troublesome
It is a moderate or severe allergic rhinitis if:
– there is a sleep disturbance
– there is an interruption of daily activities
– there is an interruption of school or work
– and the symptoms are present and are troublesome.
Medical Insider – Dr. Ria P. Maslog
