Allergic Rhinitis
Introduction
Allergic rhinitis is very common, affecting about one in five people here in the UK. It’s a condition which causes inflammation of the inside of your nose due to allergens such as dust, pollen, mould or dead skin from some animals.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which begin soon after you are exposed to an airborne allergen, are similar to those of a common cold, including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchiness. Some people are prone to sensitivity to seasonal allergens, meaning they only suffer with allergic rhinitis for a few months of the year. Others may suffer with it all year round, but with symptoms that are usually mild and effectively and easily treated. Some sufferers may experience more severe and persistent symptoms, which affect their daily life and cause sleep problems. Allergic rhinitis symptoms may improve over time, but it can take several years and it is rare that the condition disappears completely.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis happens when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen as though it were harmful, which leads to cells releasing several chemicals which cause someone’s mucous membrane (the inner layer of the nose) to become swollen. It also produces an excessive level of mucus.
Among the most common allergens which cause allergic rhinitis is pollen, and most people know this type of allergic rhinitis as hay fever. Other allergens include house dust mites, mould spores and dead skin flakes, droplets of saliva or urine from certain animals.
Nasal sprays for hay allergic rhinitis
Nasal sprays to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be combined with tablets or eyedrops or used on their own. They are helpful in controlling a runny nose and sneezing and only a small amount of medication is absorbed by the body.
We offer consultations on three different types of nasal sprays:
Steroid nasal spray: Called Beconase, this starts to work after a few days’ use and can be used everyday during the summer hay fever season for a maximum of 12 weeks. It should not be used if you are already using Dymista nasal spray.
Antishistamine nasal spray: Called Rhinolast, this is fast-working, easing symptoms in just a few hours. It can be used as and when needed, for a maximum of 12 weeks. As with Beconase, it should not be used with Dymista.
Dymista: This is a combination spray which contains both of the above – a steroid and an antihistamine. This dual action makes it not only more convenient, but also more effective than using either an antihistamine or steroid spray on its own. It is important not to use Dymista with other nasal sprays for hay fever.
It is often more effective to use a combination antihistamine and steroid nasal spray.
Beconase nasal spray
Rhinolast nasal spray
Dymista nasal spray
Availability
Pick your nearest pharmacy and visit their page to find out more or come in when it’s suitable for you.
