Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

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Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder. It affects over 20% of the American population. It refers to an inflammation of the nasal passages. Main symptoms include water nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually show up on sufferers who are particularly sensitive to dust, dander, or certain seasonal pollens.

Characteristic symptoms include repetitive sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, ears, nose or throat, runny nose, and general fatigue. Symptoms may also include wheezing, tearing of eyes, sore throat, and an impaired sense of smell. It is possible to also experience a chronic cough, but should not be mistaken for asthma. Sinus headaches and plugging of the ears are also commonly suffered.

Although sufferers tend to show symptoms before the age of 30; in reality, they can appear at any age. Allergic rhinitis can cause much loss in productivity and downtime. Sufferers may experience symptoms so severe that they can be kept from school or work. The cost in physician services and medications for treatment can easily run into millions of dollars.

Many perennial and seasonal allergens cause allergic rhinitis. Dust mites, molds, and animal dander are examples of year round allergens. Tree, grass, and ragweed pollens are primarily seasonal outdoor allergens. Seasonal pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination.
Findings are that plants that depend on insect pollination, such as goldenrod and dandelions, do not usually cause allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms tend to develop more in early spring, late summer and early fall. This is the time when mold spores grow in warm, damp environments. However, do note that mold spores can also be measured indoors year round.

Another potential source of problems come from animal allergens. Most animal allergens are secreted through the sebaceous glands of the animal’s skin.

To be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, your doctor first need to do a physical exam. Classic signs of allergic rhinitis include swelling of the eyelids, dark circles around the eyes, and extra skin folds in the lower eyelids. Skin testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. An intra-dermal testing is made if results of prick method testing return negative.

Mostly, the treatment of allergic rhinitis center around reducing its symptoms. The best bet is avoidance of the allergen or minimization of exposure. Medications may be used such as antihistamines and decongestants but they are best used not excessively.

Early childhood exposure to common household microbes, environmental bacteria, and fermented foods may help to reduce a child’s risk of developing allergies as they get older. Childhood exposure to pets, especially during the first year of life when the immune system is still developing, has been associated with a decreased risk of allergies to pet dander.

Healthy eating habits and exercise can further strengthen the immune system and help avoid unwanted allergic reactions.

Jan

22

Mobile Phone Allergy

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Most of us carry one nowadays - the mobile phone. In fact, we find it hard to operate without this essential device. We need to be contactable or we need to contact others at the drop of a hat. For mobile phone fanatics, upgrading one every few months has grown to be part of their lifestyle habits.

Yet of lesser known is that a few of us have a type of allergy known as the mobile phone allergy. A mobile phone allergy is scientifically known as mobile phone mast electromagnetism. Radiation or microwaves generated by the mobile phones can trigger an allergic response in those who are suffering from eczema or dermatitis.

In fact, more and more studies have shown that mobile phones can be harmful to our health, even for those who do not have a mobile phone allergy. An excessive use can increase resting blood pressure, confusion, anxiety and short-term memory loss. Radio waves emitted from mobile phones can disrupt some part of the brain that are used for controlling memory and learning.

In a recent study, it has been proven the mobile phone users are more likely to develop fatigues, frequent headaches or even brain cancer.

Granted, it is hard to live without the mobile phone. The best we can do is buy radiation shields for the mobiles. You can also try moving the aerial of the phone 8 inches from your head to reduce exposure to some extent. Obviously, for those who have a mobile phone allergy, it is best to go without one. At least, you enjoy the benefit of saving tons of money in phone bills and phone sets.

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