What is allergic rhinitis and Asthma ?
Allergic rhinitis is a noninfectious rhinitis mediated by Ig E .There will be inflammatory changes in the nasal mucosa due to exposure to inhaled allergens like pollen, dust mite, moulds to name a few ,which leads to sneezing, itching, nasal discharge ,nasal block , itching of eyes, nose, scalp,ear, eye watering. Genetic factors are also involved . Certain foods also causes nasal symptoms.
Children has allergic rhinitis as the most common allergic manifestation, which affects their quality of life. They should be treated by antiallergens and supportive measures.
Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes reducing allergen exposure, medical treatment.
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways seen both among kids and adults. it is associated with hyper responsiveness of the airway, resulting airway obstruction. Ig E mediated sensitivity to common allergens which are airborne, smoking, airpollution, stress are the common predisposing factors .
Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, breathing difficulties, coughing and tightness in the chest,occurng at night or early morning. Presence of family history of asthma or atopic disorder also seen ,but nonatopic form of asthma also seen later in life .
Treatment should be taken and preventive measures like avoidance of allergens should be done.
Relationship between Asthma and Allergic rhinitis
There is occurance of rhinitis in allergic and nonallergic asthma patients. Risk of allergic asthma high in allergic rhinitis patients. Rhinitis increase the risk of asthma in both atopic and nonatopic individuals. Chronic rhinosinusitis also seen associated with asthma patients. Both asthma and allergic rhinitis has common predisposing factors like allergens which can be pollen, mould, pollutants and various other factors. Rhinoviral infections can cause exacerbation of asthma. Occupational rhinitis due to continuous exposure to certain chemicals or substances can lead on to occupational asthma. Inflammation is an important component seen both in asthma and rhinitis and sometimes nasal polyp also present.
Eosinophilic infiltration of nasal mucosa seen in asthma patients. Treatment for asthma and rhinitis given by oral inhalers, intranasal sprays along with oral medications .Sometimes injections may be needed for acute exacerbation of asthma. Immunotherapy can be given if patient is allergic to a particular allergen.
Quality of life is affected by Asthma and rhinitis and it causes significant morbidity .
Those patients with persistent allergic rhinitis need to be evaluated for asthma.
