الحساسية

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles such as pollen, house dust mite, animal dander or mould. Seasonal forms are known as hay fever. Perennial forms last all year.

It is not dangerous, but it disturbs sleep, concentration and work, and it often travels with asthma and sinus trouble. Treatment controls symptoms well for most people. Allergen immunotherapy is the only approach that alters the allergy itself, and it takes about three years.

Symptoms

• Bouts of sneezing, often on waking
• A runny nose with clear watery discharge
• Blocked nose on both sides, worse at night
• Itchy nose, palate, throat and ears
• Red, itchy, watering eyes
• Reduced sense of smell, mouth breathing and snoring
• Tiredness and poor concentration from broken sleep

Causes and risk factors

In a sensitised person the immune system makes IgE antibodies against a harmless particle. On the next exposure, mast cells in the nasal lining release histamine and other mediators within minutes, followed hours later by swelling and congestion. Tree pollen dominates spring, grass pollen early summer and weed pollen late summer, with local variation. House dust mite and pets cause year-round symptoms. A family history of allergy, asthma or eczema raises the likelihood. Smoke, perfume and cold air worsen symptoms but are irritants, not allergens.

How it is diagnosed

• History and nasal examination: The timing of symptoms through the year and in different places usually identifies the likely allergen. The lining often looks pale and swollen.
• Skin prick testing: Drops of allergen extracts are pricked into the forearm and read after 15 minutes. Antihistamines must be stopped several days beforehand.
• Specific IgE blood tests: An alternative when skin testing is not possible, for example with widespread eczema or when antihistamines cannot be stopped.
• Nasal endoscopy: A thin camera checks for polyps, a deviated septum or chronic sinusitis when blockage is the main complaint or is one-sided.

Treatment options

• Allergen reduction: Mite-proof bedding covers, hot washing, keeping pets out of the bedroom, and showering after high pollen exposure. Helpful but rarely enough alone.
• Steroid nasal sprays: The most effective single treatment for blockage and sneezing. They need daily use and correct technique, and take 1 to 2 weeks to reach full effect.
• Non-sedating antihistamines: Tablets such as cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine, or antihistamine nasal sprays, for itching, sneezing and runny nose.
• Combination sprays and saline rinses: A steroid with antihistamine in one spray for moderate to severe symptoms. Salt-water rinsing clears allergen and mucus.
• Allergen immunotherapy: Under-the-tongue tablets or drops, or injections, given regularly for about 3 years for proven pollen or mite allergy. Benefits persist after stopping.
• Turbinate reduction surgery: For persistent blockage from enlarged turbinates despite sprays. It improves airflow but does not treat the allergy.

When it is urgent

Allergic rhinitis itself does not cause emergencies. Call emergency services locally if nasal or eye symptoms occur with wheeze or tightness in the chest that is not relieved by your inhaler, swelling of the lips or tongue, hives with faintness, or difficulty breathing after an allergen injection or a sting.

Travelling to Türkiye for treatment

Day-to-day management and three-year immunotherapy courses belong with a doctor near home. A visit can provide allergy testing, nasal endoscopy and a clear plan in one or two appointments, and planned surgery such as turbinate reduction or septoplasty if structural blockage is part of the problem. Remember that pollen seasons differ between countries, so your symptoms may behave differently while away.

Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.

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