Allergic rhinitis is a very common type of disease. It can be triggered any time of the day, as long as the allergen is in the air and you’ve inhaled it. Some of the most common allergens that typically cause an allergic rhinitis attack are dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, and dust mites, anything really that can trigger an allergic rhinitis attack.
Signs and Symptoms
Allergic rhinitis strongly resembles the signs and symptoms of a common cold, but instead of it being caused by a virus, the symptoms are caused by an allergen.
When the allergen gets into your system, it will cause your immune system to strongly react against it, releasing histamines and IgEs. This will cause your nasal passages to clog up and your eyes to become watery and itchy. Other symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, and postnasal drip as well as sore throat and dry cough. Allergic rhinitis is also oftentimes accompanied by headache as well as fatigue. There may also be some itching to the mouth and facial area.
Common Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
Because the signs and symptoms typically mimic cold, the individual often takes the wrong medicine to treat the symptoms. It is only when their physicians advise them to take antihistamine that the symptoms will be relieved.
Aside from antihistamine, the patient may also be given corticosteroid sprays to help relieve nasal congestion and other allergy symptoms. Immunotherapy, for those who suffer severe allergic rhinitis, may also be recommended.
Chinese Herbal Therapy for Allergic Rhinitis
Although not yet mainstream treatment but Chinese therapy has long been used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms. Both Chinese herbal therapy and acupuncture therapy are used concomitantly in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
When it comes to Chinese herbal therapy, you have the butterbur. Butterbur is commonly used to treat asthma, and it has also been widely used to treat allergic rhinitis. This herb can greatly reduce mucus production as well as reduce runny nose. Butterbur is also an antihistamine.
Another herb used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is stinging nettle. It helps reduce sneezing as well as relieves itching. It’s also believed to help in the reduction of histamine amount in the body.
Astralagus is also commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis. Not only can it help reduce runny nose, but it also helps relieve itching as well as reduce sneezing.
Acupuncture Therapy for Allergic Rhinitis
Acupuncture therapy is another method of treating allergic rhinitis. Not only is it very effective in relieving the symptoms, but this therapy also provides longer lasting relief compared to other therapies.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the person suffering from allergic rhinitis is suffering from a blocked energy flow, thus the emergence of symptoms. Now, for seasonal allergic rhinitis, the patient needs to have acupuncture therapy sessions at least a month before the symptoms usually appear. However, for year-round allergic rhinitis, then the patient is not only give acupuncture treatment but also taught how to massage certain acupoints to help relieve the symptoms.
Chinese herbal therapy along with acupuncture can help speed up the recovery process of allergic rhinitis. Through regular sessions, the body will be more prepared to deal with future allergic rhinitis attacks.
Citations:
- The photo included in this article is a free image via http://www.sxc.hu/.
Jennifer Daisy is a content writer who specializes mainly in health and fitness issues. Right now, she is providing articles for a New York acupuncturist.
Avoiding allergens is the best way of treating allergic rhinitis. Before taking any medications consult first your doctor.