Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
Allergic rhinitis affects around one in five people in Britain, and typically causes symptoms similar to a common cold.
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal airways caused by allergens such as pollen, skin and hair particles, or dust. Symptoms include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itching, and sometimes swelling around the eyes.
Who suffers from allergic rhinitis?
Some people are more sensitive to seasonal allergens such as pollen, and only have symptoms for a few months when the pollen count is high — commonly known as hay fever. Others have allergic rhinitis all year round. Mild symptoms can be treated easily, but more severe symptoms can interfere with everyday life and often cause sleep problems.
How does allergic rhinitis affect sleep?
If you have allergic rhinitis you are very likely to have difficulty sleeping. Swollen, blocked nasal passages make it harder to breathe easily during sleep, contributing to snoring and breathing problems such as sleep apnoea. Missing out on restful sleep can also leave you fatigued during the day.
How is allergic rhinitis treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. At the Sleeping Disorders Centre, Mr Oko and Professor Dhillon will carry out a number of assessments to find the best treatment for you. Treatments include:
Antihistamines — medication that relieves symptoms
Corticosteroids — usually a spray or drops that reduce nasal swelling
Nasal irrigation — flushing the nasal cavity to clear excess debris and mucus
Nasal decongestants — sprays that help clear a blocked nose
Immunotherapy — making your immune system less sensitive to the allergen
Immunotherapy
For very severe symptoms we offer immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation. The allergen is gradually introduced into your body so your immune system becomes less sensitive to it — usually by injection under the skin of your upper arm at weekly intervals, with the dose increased slightly each time.
Once we reach a dose that successfully reduces your allergic reaction, treatment continues for up to three years. It can also be given as a tablet containing an allergen, such as grass pollen, placed under your tongue.