In Mexico, allergic rhinitis affects an alarming 42.5% of the population, constituting a serious public health problem. Specialists of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) “Ismael Cosío Villegas” have warned about the high prevalence of this condition, which manifests itself more frequently in men.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis They can be gradual or sudden, highlighting the nasal inflammation, redness and itching of the nose and eyes, frequent sneezing, mucus running down the throat and obstruction of the nasal passages. These symptoms can cause tiredness due to problems sleeping, as well as inflammation under the eyes, dermatitis, cough, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.
Unlike a common cold or flu, the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can last for a long time without the presence of fever. It is important to distinguish between these conditions, since the symptoms of a cold or flu usually do not last more than ten days, while allergic rhinitis may persist and do not present a fever.
Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal, appearing during certain times of the year, such as pollination. However, many patients experience symptoms when coming into contact with common allergens such as dust, mites, pets, cockroaches, fungi or mold, as well as certain foods.
In the first years of life, Allergic rhinitis is often associated with food allergies, especially to dairy products and eggs. Starting in adolescence, allergies to fruits, vegetables and seeds become more common.
Treatment and management: Immunotherapy as an effective solution
To identify the cause of the allergy, skin tests are performed in specialized units such as the INER. The most effective treatment is immunotherapy, which can reduce symptoms by up to 90%. This treatment consists of the administration of oral, skin or tablet vaccines, personalized according to the allergenic spectrum of each patient, whether dust, ash, trees or grasses.
Immunotherapy allows, in a period of three to five years, patients to experience a significant remission of symptoms, which can disappear for up to a decade. However, symptoms may eventually return.
Ignoring the symptoms of allergic rhinitis can lead to serious complications. Constant nasal congestion can affect sleep quality, causing snoring, sleep apnea, and poor concentration. This can lead those affected to consider these symptoms as normal, which worsens their quality of life.
It is essential that people with persistent symptoms of allergic rhinitis for more than a month consult an allergist. Failure to properly treat this condition can worsen symptoms and trigger other health problems.
A worrying fact is that 75% of people who suffer from asthma also develop allergic rhinitis simultaneously. This co-occurrence underlines the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment to avoid additional complications.
#Allergic #rhinitis #affects #Mexican #population #INER
