Recently I’ve been waking up with a blocked nose. A rather itchy blocked nose. I doubt it’s sinus, more like allergic rhinitis. I don’t recall this having happened to me weeks before. Just, recently.
Allergic rhinitis
When an allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system, it triggers antibody production. These antibodies mostly bind to mast cells, which contain histamine. When the mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine (and other chemicals) are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production. Symptoms vary in severity between individuals. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. Particulate matter in polluted air and chemicals such as chlorine and detergents, which can normally be tolerated, can greatly aggravate the condition.
Allergies are common. Heredity and environmental exposures may contribute to a predisposition to allergies. It is roughly estimated that one in three people have an active allergy at any given time and at least three in four people develop an allergic reaction at least once in their lives. The two categories of allergic rhinitis include:
* Seasonal – occurs particularly during pollen seasons. Seasonal allergic rhinitis does not usually develop until after 6 years of age.
* Perennial – occurs throughout the year. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly seen in younger children.
Allergy testing may reveal the specific allergens an individual is sensitive to. Skin testing is the most common method of allergy testing. This may include intradermal, scratch, patch, or other tests. Less commonly, the suspected allergen is dissolved and dropped onto the lower eyelid as a means of testing for allergies. (This test should only be done by a physician, never the patient, since it can be harmful if done improperly). In some individuals who cannot undergo skin testing (as determined by the doctor), the RAST blood test may be helpful in determining specific allergen sensitivity.
More hereditary than seasonal. My dad’s allergic to tonnes of things – seafood, dust. I know I’m simply allergic to dust. Drives my nose insane and my eyes start to water. Piriton and Claritin aren’t really doing their job. I’ve run out of Telfast and please, spare me the advice of taking Decolgen because I used to take the extra strength ones and it did nothing. The stupidly expensive doctor near my house prescribed me that and I was WTF! And it’s not because I’ve been taking Decolgen that I’ve grown immune to it. I had only taken it once or twice and both times I had to fall back on Piriton because there was no effect, no relief from the annoyance of runny noses and what-nots.
yin-of-all-trades 