Allergic Rhinosinusitis

Allergic Rhinosinusitis: causes, symptoms and treatment

Allergic Rhinosinusitis (ARS) is an allergic disease that manifests itself as inflammation of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses. ARS most often occurs in children aged 2 to 4 years, but can also occur in adults. The disease can be seasonal, chronic or infectious-allergic.

Seasonal Rhinosinusitis (also known as hay fever or hay fever) occurs when plants are in flower and is the most common form of ARS. Chronic ARS develops with sensitization to household allergens, such as pollen, dust, fluff, etc. Infectious-allergic Rhinosinusitis is a mixed form, when an allergic reaction is combined with an infection.

The clinical picture of ARS includes itching and burning in the nose, sneezing attacks, watery or foamy nasal discharge, swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose and soft palate, inflammation of the eustachian tube, swelling of the eyelids, injection of scleral vessels and a sensation of a foreign body in the eye. With seasonal Rhinosinusitis, general malaise, headache, drowsiness may appear, the temperature may rise to low-grade levels and irritability.

Quite often, ARS precedes the development of bronchial asthma. Therefore, it is very important to promptly identify and treat ARS.

The diagnosis of ARS is established on the basis of the clinical picture, rhinoscopy, radiography, detection of high levels of IgE in nasal secretions and blood serum, results of skin testing and other methods. Differential diagnosis is carried out with rhinosinusitis of infectious origin.

Treatment of ARS includes specific hyposensitization, antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, antiallergic immunoglobulin, nasal electrophoresis with diphenhydramine, Intal and other drugs. If these methods have no effect, aerosols containing glucocorticoids are used.

In conclusion, ARS is a serious condition that can severely limit a person's quality of life. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical help in a timely manner and undergo regular examinations by an allergist-immunologist. With correct diagnosis and timely treatment of ARS, the manifestations of the disease can be significantly reduced and its progression can be prevented. It is also important to avoid contact with allergens that may cause a reaction in the patient. This may include using special air filters, cleaning your home regularly, and avoiding contact with pets. In general, coping with ARS is possible subject to an integrated approach to treatment and following the doctor’s recommendations.