Typically, allergic rhinitis is triggered by tiny particles of allergens inhaled through the air. The most common airborne allergens are
dust mites, pollen and spores and animal skin,
urine and saliva.
[img width=1024,height=683]https://lura.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1-4-1024x683.jpeg[/img]Allergic rhinitis is triggered by tiny particles of allergens inhaled through the air
Oversensitive immune system
When someone has allergic rhinitis, their immune system reacts to allergens as if they were harmful. As a result of an oversensitive immune system, antibodies will be produced to fight allergens. An antibody is a special protein produced in the body to defend against viruses and infections.
A person does not experience an allergic reaction the first time they are exposed to an allergen. In order to produce antibodies, the immune system must first recognize and “memorize” it. This process is known as sensitization. Antibodies cause the cells to release many chemicals, including histamine, causing your mucous membrane (the inside layer of your nose) to become inflamed and produce too much mucus. These are the typical symptoms of sneezing and a blocked or runny nose.
Common allergens
House dust mites
The tiny insects that feed on skin flakes are called house dust mites. They can be found in pillows, mattresses, carpets, soft furnishings, and beds.
Dust mite excrement contains a chemical that causes rhinitis, not the dust mites themselves.
In general, dust mites can be found all year round, though winter tends to be their peak time.
Pollen and spores
Trees and grasses often produce tiny particles of pollen that cause allergic rhinitis.
The majority of trees pollinate from early to mid-spring, while grass pollinates at the end of spring and beginning of summer.
Mold and fungi can also produce spores that cause rhinoitis.
Animals
Some people are allergic to animals, such as cats and dogs. The allergic reaction is less caused by the fur of the animal and more a reaction caused by its saliva, urine, and flakes of dead skin.
Dogs and cats are the most common animals to cause allergies, although some people are affected by horses, cattle, rabbits and rodents, such as guinea pigs and hamsters.
But being around dogs from an early age can help protect against allergies, and there’s some evidence to suggest that this might also be the case with cats.
Work-related allergens
Some people are affected by allergens found in their work environment, such as wood dust, flour dust or latex.
Who’s most at risk
You’re more likely to develop an allergy if there’s a history of allergies in your family.
If this is the case, you’re said to be “atopic”, or to have “atopy”. People who are atopic have a genetic tendency to develop allergic conditions.
Their increased immune response to allergens results in increased production of IgE antibodies.
Environmental factors may also play a part. Studies have shown certain things may increase the chance of a child developing allergies, such as growing up in a house where people smoke and being exposed to dust mites at a young age.
How Can I Prevent Allergic Rhinitis?
The first and best option is to avoid contact with allergens. Other prevention tips are:
- Don’t touch or rub your nose.
[/*]- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
[/*]- Use a vacuum with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter to reduce allergen exposure while vacuuming.
[/*]- Wash your bed linens and pillowcases in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
[/*]- Use dust-mite proof covers for pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses and box springs.
[/*]- Keep pets out of the bedroom to reduce pet dander allergen in your bedding.
[/*]- Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce pollen getting into your eyes.
[/*]- Keep windows closed during high pollen and mold seasons. Use the air conditioner in your car and home (CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter).
[/*]- Schedule a deep cleaning every 1-2 months to minimize allergens appearing in your home
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