Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Description of the disease

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a condition in which symptoms characteristic of viral upper respiratory tract infections occur due to an abnormal immune response to various environmental factors. During allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, the eyes and nasal mucosa are affected.

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common causes of nasal congestion. It is estimated that about 15% of the population suffers from symptoms caused by this condition.

Cause of the disease

During this condition, the immune system recognizes harmless substances as “bad,” memory cells form against these substances. The next time these allergens are inhaled, an immune reaction occurs, causing symptoms. Various substances such as pollen, animal fur, mold spores, dust mites, and many others can become allergens for the body.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are characteristic of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis:

Nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge (“runny” nose),
Nasal itching,
Watery, itchy, red eyes,
Sneezing,
Cough,
Impaired smell or taste.

These symptoms occur immediately after contact with the allergen.

Diagnosis

Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is diagnosed by clarifying the symptoms of the disease, determining the time of their onset, seasonality, possible causes. A physical examination is performed. Various allergy tests, special blood tests are performed to determine what the person is allergic to. The amount of eosinophils (certain blood cells) in nasal secretions is also determined.

Treatment

The treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis consists of several stages. First of all, attempts are made to remove allergens from the environment. Various medications are prescribed to reduce symptoms: antihistamines, decongestants, ipratropium (nasal spray), and many others. Desensitization may be applied to treat allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. This treatment lasts a long time (2-3 years), during which certain doses of the allergen are constantly injected in order for the body to gradually “get used to” it.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology