Avoiding
Allergens
Allergic
Rhinitis
Asthma
Sinusitis
Nasal
Polyps
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Allergic
Rhinitis
If you have allergies,
your body is overreacting to substances occurring
naturally in the environment such as tree, weed
and grass pollens, molds, dust mites or animal
dander. The allergic reaction commonly involves
you nose (allergic rhinitis), eyes (allergic conjunctivitis),
and/or lungs (asthma).
Everyone breathes in pollens,
dust mites and molds. These substances are absorbed
into the lining of the nose/airways. Most people
don’t react to them and never know they
are there. If you have allergic rhinitis, your
immune system is recognizing these allergens and
reacting against them. The immune response involves
the release of chemical mediators (i.e. histamine),
which cause inflammation or swelling within the
nose, increased mucous production, itching and
sneezing.
Allergic rhinitis causes
many people to feel tired and may also impair
concentration. Studies have shown that school
and work performance may be affected by allergic
rhinitis.
Common complications
of allergic rhinitis:
- Sinus
pressure or sinusitis – The openings
to the sinus cavities are located along the
nasal lining. With allergies, the lining becomes
swollen which may close off the sinus openings.
This may lead to increased pressure within the
sinuses and increased rate of sinus infections.
- Ear pressure
or ear infection
– The Eustachian tube is the tube connecting
the ear to the back of the nasal cavity. With
allergies, the same inflammation that is present
in the nasal lining may occur within the Eustachian
tube. This may lead to a pressure sensation
within the ears or even ear infections.
To see what you can do
about allergic rhinitis click
here. |
