ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Allergic rhinitis is a common disease seen in ENT clinic. Most of the patient with allergic rhinitis has atopy which include eczema, bronchial asthma and allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic rhinitis is a IgE mediated hypersensitivity of the nasal mucosa characterized by rhinorhea (watery nose), nasal obstruction, sneezing and itchiness.
Allergic rhinitis also can be seasonal or perennial rhinitis. Seasonal rhinitis usually is associaated with flu like illnes occur in European countries. Allergen that causes seasonal rhinitis such as grass pollen or tree pollen in summer weather in certain area in Europe. Perennial rhinitis can occur throughout the year causes by alergen factor. The most affective allergen is a house dust mite that breeding well in humid atmosphere. House dust mite can be found most in mattress, pillow, carpets. The causative allergic of dust mite is from its digestive material mainly digestive enzyme in a house dust mite feaces.Other allergen factor is domestic pets (dog and cat), smoke, perfumes as well as histamine induced food (cheese etc) and others.
Allergic rhinitis is inherited disease. The treatment of the disease is only symptomatic and to control the symptom. It cannot be cured fully. The most effective medication used now is steroid nasal spray and oral antihistamine and decongestant (oral or nasal). The role of surgical tretament is opted when there is patient with failed medical therapy.