One of the most frequently diagnosed allergies in ENT doctors’ offices is definitely allergic rhinitis. I spoke to Dr. Maria Bayerl, specialist in ENT medicineon allergic rhinitis and the causes for which it can occur.
CSÎD: What role does the nasal mucosa play?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: The nasal mucosa has several roles: respiratory, olfactory, heating of the inhaled air, retention of foreign particles, drainage of the paranasal sinuses. It also has a non-specific defense role through the mucociliary apparatus which cleans the inhaled air by physical means.
CSÎD: What is rhinitis?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa and can often be complicated by a bacterial infection.
Allergic rhinitis can also be triggered by a cold
CSÎD: When can allergic rhinitis be triggered?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: Favorable factors rhinitis are colds, adenoids and tonsillitis in children.
CSÎD: What is the treatment for allergic rhinitis?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: Its treatment consists in the administration of anti-inflammatory, antithermal, antiallergic drugs.
Patients with allergic rhinitis should avoid staying in rooms with mold or where a lot of dust is stored
CSÎD: What should we do to reduce the risk of respiratory allergies?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: We can take some steps to reduce allergies, from taking certain medications to household habits. Spring, for example, is a key time of year for seasonal respiratory allergies.
Some people are allergic to pollen and this triggers allergic rhinitis
CSÎD: Many people complain of being allergic to pollen and this also triggers allergic rhinitis … Why?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: Pollen is usually the biggest spring allergy trigger. When it enters the nose of someone who is allergic, the body reacts to defend itself and manifest itself the type of persistent sneezing, coughing, itching in the nose and mouth area, difficulty breathing.
CSÎD: What are the other causes of seasonal allergies such as allergic rhinitis?
Dr. Maria Bayerl: However, pollen isn’t the only trigger for seasonal allergies. With the rains, the degree of mold or humidity increases, both inside and outside the house. General house cleaning will actually activate mites throughout the house, and this is where the body’s rejection reaction comes from.
