Inflammation in the nose becomes severe when allergens in the air interact with the immune system that triggers the onset of what is termed as ‘hay fever’ or allergic rhinitis. The symptoms include runny nose, watery eyes accompanied by continuous sneezing. Although the discomfort is not life threatening the ability to go to school or work is seriously compromised. The condition of allergic rhinitis leads to people suffering from atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis and asthma when the conditions happen at a specific time of the year. Chronic allergic rhinitis is the condition thus diagnosed. The chief cause for this condition is environmental allergens such as pollen, pet dander or mold. Genetics also pay an important role although environmental factors being the main cause are on the rise.
These allergies are increasing in urban areas as the environmental impact in these areas is affecting the mass of people who live in dense pockets. Reducing the impact of environment factors is the prime consideration in EAACI (European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) campaigns in Europe. They are an awareness and education campaign organization with the sole aim of forcing lawmakers to act in a manner that will help people’s health but also save a lot of money in direct health costs. Although several medications are available as OTC (over the counter) quite a few of them are accompanied by side effects. Allergen immunotherapy has proved effective; this is done by deliberately exposing the patient to the allergen in incremental doses until resistance is developed. This method is long and hence the environmental cleanup as suggested EAACI is the way to go that will benefit more people in the shortest possible time.
