How it manifests itself
The main complaints are nasal congestion, sneezing attacks, watery discharge and itching in the nose, which persist all year round. Typically, symptoms intensify at night and immediately after waking up, as well as when cleaning, shaking out pillows and disassembling old things. Itching and redness of the eyes, lacrimation, and coughing due to mucus draining down the back wall of the throat are often associated. Children have the habit of rubbing their nose with their palms from bottom to top and constantly breathing through their mouths. Over time, a decrease in sense of smell, snoring and chronic fatigue from poor sleep are possible.
- Nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose
- Sneezing attacks in the morning
- Clear watery discharge
- Itching in the nose, eyes and palate
- Watery and red eyes
- Night cough and coughing
- Poor sleep and daytime sleepiness
Why it occurs and what strengthens it
An allergy develops when the immune system begins to react to harmless proteins as a threat and produces IgE antibodies to them. The predisposition is inherited: if parents have allergies, asthma or atopic dermatitis, the risk is higher. Ticks love warmth and humidity above fifty percent, and most of all they are in the bed, where there is both warmth and food. Symptoms are aggravated by carpets, heavy curtains, soft toys, old mattresses and pillows, infrequent changes of linen, smoking indoors and co-sleeping with pets.
- Hereditary predisposition to allergies
- Old mattresses, pillows and blankets
- Carpets and upholstered furniture in the bedroom
- Humidity above 50 percent
- Tobacco smoke indoors
- Associated allergies to wool and mold
How is it different from colds and other rhinitis?
A cold usually lasts up to 7–10 days, often begins with a sore throat, the discharge thickens and changes color, and there is a fever. Allergic rhinitis lasts for weeks and months, there is no fever, the discharge remains clear and watery, itching and sneezing in series predominate. The year-round nature distinguishes dust allergies from hay fever, the exacerbations of which coincide with flowering. There is also non-allergic rhinitis, when the nose reacts to cold, odors and dry air: tests for it are negative, but the treatment is different. Examination and examination help to differentiate between these conditions.
- Cold - up to 10 days, with fever
- Allergies - weeks and months, no fever
- Hay fever - seasonality and connection with flowering
- Non-allergic rhinitis - reaction to odors, cold, dryness
- Vasomotor rhinitis from abuse of vasoconstrictor drops
Survey
The diagnosis is based on a combination of complaints and test results. An allergy panel for house dust and mites shows specific IgE antibodies to specific allergens; screening panels help to understand the overall picture of sensitization. Total IgE in itself does not confirm the diagnosis and is used as an additional indicator. Skin tests are carried out by an allergist; they are not done while taking antihistamines or during an exacerbation. An otolaryngologist examines the nasal cavity, including endoscopically, to rule out deviated septum, polyps and sinusitis. For cough and shortness of breath, spirometry is added.
- Allergy panel for house dust and mites
- Total IgE
- Allergy screening test
- Skin tests with an allergist
- Endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity
- Spirometry for cough and shortness of breath
Treatment and organization of life
The basis is to reduce contact with the allergen, and the main field of work here is the bedroom. Anti-mite covers for mattresses, pillows and blankets, washing clothes at high temperatures once every one to two weeks, avoiding carpets and excess textiles, regular ventilation and maintaining humidity below fifty percent help. Of the medications, nasal hormonal sprays are the most effective; they are supplemented with antihistamines and rinsing the nose with saline solution. For severe allergies, the doctor may suggest allergen-specific immunotherapy - the only method that affects the cause itself. All medications are selected by the doctor.
- Anti-mite covers for bedding
- Wash clothes at 60 °C once every 1–2 weeks
- Remove carpets, extra pillows and stuffed animals from the bedroom
- Room humidity below 50 percent, ventilation
- Rinse the nose with saline solution
- Nasal hormonal sprays and antihistamines as prescribed
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy for confirmed allergies