Research shows that allergic diseases are more common in people living in cities than in rural areas. Even though we spend most of the days at home in the spring months of this year, even the air from the window can cause allergic rhinitis to be triggered. Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan says that protection from the disease starts with taking precautions.

Allergy is a condition that occurs when some people's immune system reacts differently and excessively to substances that are normally considered harmless. According to the person, many factors, from pollen to dust, from certain foods to insects, can cause symptoms to appear in the allergic nose, eyes, lungs, or skin. 

Highlighting that the cases of allergic rhinitis, which manifests itself with upper airway symptoms, especially in spring, increase, Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan reminded that the complaints are mostly confused with the flu. While symptoms may be limited to that season in people who contact with an allergen (such as pollen) in certain seasons, symptoms are constantly seen in people who come into contact with allergens such as house dust mites, mold fungi, cockroaches, and animal dander throughout the year.

Signs Can Be Confused with Common Cold

Stating that the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, can be confused because it is similar to the flu, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan explained: "Itching in the nose, palate, throat, and eyes, congestion in the nose, discharge, and itching, itching in the palate and ear, sneezing, nasal discharge, cough, difficulty in smelling, bruising under the eyes, itching and redness in the eyes are symptoms seen in patients. However, it is seen that the palate rises, and dental disorders occur due to mouth breathing. Unilateral dark, yellow-green colored discharges are not compatible with allergic rhinitis. In allergic rhinitis, bilateral and light-colored nasal discharge is observed. Due to the need to scratch the nose, people often push the nose upwards (allergic salutation) and as a result, a horizontal line may form on the tip of the nose. Dark discoloration and edema in custody are among the other findings." 

Could Be the Cause of Recurrent Sinusitis Attacks

Stating that allergy can cause nasal enlargement, middle ear inflammation, and recurrent sinusitis attacks, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan, explained that the presence of an underlying allergy should be investigated in patients who do not improve or recur with drugs. In addition, she said, the inability to breathe comfortably can lead to growth retardation, attention deficit, concentration disorder, and related exam failure, especially in children. In adults, effects such as sleep disturbance, decrease in concentration, poor performance, and deterioration in the quality of life may also occur.

Indicating the importance of patient history for allergy tests, Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan said, "First of all, it is questioned whether the patient has a substance that triggers allergy symptoms. It is investigated in which season the complaints occur, when the complaints start, in which environments they increase, the drugs used, and whether there are individuals with allergies in the family. If the inner surface of the nose is pale and swelling of the adenoid called "concha" is detected during the examination, allergy tests are performed. However, allergens may not always be detected as a result of the test. The presence of an allergy is considered if the patient says that they have symptoms against a specific substance." 

Stepped Care Is Applied

If the substances that trigger symptoms are known in people with allergic rhinitis, staying away from them constitutes the first step of treatment, Yeditepe University Hospital ENT Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan explained the following about the treatment of allergic rhinitis: "Drug treatment for symptoms is applied. Nasal sprays containing antihistamines and cortisone remove the swellings inside the nose, opening the blockage and reducing the discharge. It is useful to wash the nose with salt water and seawater to remove the allergen from the nose. Another treatment is immunotherapy, also known as vaccine therapy. There are immunotherapies administered by injection as well as vaccines administered orally. Vaccine treatment in well-selected patients may prevent the development of asthma. Since people with allergic rhinitis may develop polyps, enlargement of the adenoid, and chronic sinusitis, surgical treatments should also be performed for these problems." 

These Recommendations Should Be Considered

Reminding that allergic diseases are more common in people living in cities where there are many negativities such as air pollution and crowds away from natural environments, Yeditepe University Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Müzeyyen Doğan made the following suggestions to people with allergic rhinitis in general:

• Do not be in pollinated and dusty environments, if it is necessary to be present, use a face covering.
• Keep doors and windows closed during periods of high pollen density and pay attention to the cleanliness of the room air.
•  Avoid feeding animals and plants at home. Furry and wooly blankets can contain many allergens, especially house dust mites. Therefore, choose cotton and synthetic blankets. Since household items such as rugs and carpets can contain dust, it is appropriate not to use them.
• Clean furniture often, and always wear a face covering if you have to clean it.
• Overlay the bed, pillow, and quilt in the bedroom with non-allergenic covers.
• Wash bedding at 60 degrees every week to kill house dust mites and eggs. Keep children away from furry toys.
• Do not smoke or be in a smoking environment.
• Patients with allergic rhinitis should not be in an air-conditioned environment, if they must be, care should be taken that the air conditioner used is pollen-filtered.
• Exercise should be done, and balanced nutrition should be provided.