Allergic Rhinitis

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A​llergy is caused by normally harmless substances in the environment (allergens). Common allergens include house dust mite and pet dander. Other possible allergens include moulds, grass or pollen.

House dust mite
House dust mites are microscopic creatures that thrive on skin flakes shed by humans. House dust mite droppings that are inhaled and can trigger Allergic Rhinitis. It can be difficult to avoid house dust mites, but dust mite resistant bedding, washing bedding in hot water (60 ºC), and minimising dust collecting fabrics like carpets or curtains may help reduce exposure.

Pet dander
A cat or dog kept in the house soon becomes part of the family and is very difficult to exclude after that point, but their sheddings can sometimes be a trigger for allergies. It has been documented that it takes six months of normal, routine house cleaning to rid a house of pet dander after the pet has left the house.

Treatmen​t options for Allergic Rhinitis include environmental control, medication or surgery.

Reducing exposure to allergens can help avoid triggering an Allergic Rhinitis flare.

Medications include:

• Nasal steroid sprays are highly effective and form the mainstay of treatment. They need to be used consistently and with the correct technique to produce the best results.
• ​​Antihistamines and decongestants reduce nasal discharge, sneezing and nasal congestion.
  

Surgery may be considered for those who have persistent nasal obstruction despite regular use of medication.

Immunotherapy may be considered for those who have significant sneezing, itchiness or runny nose and have had allergens identified via allergen te​sting.​​​