What’s causing your sniffles
The common types of rhinitis are allergic and non-allergic. Allergic rhinitis is the body’s reaction to different allergens like dust and pollen . Most allergens are airborne and enter through the nose or mouth. The body releases histamines as an immune response to these allergens. This is what causes symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and coughing to block out the allergens.
Non-allergic rhinitis has similar symptoms but is caused by different factors. It often starts from infections, specific medications, hormonal imbalance, and environmental factors. Changes in weather, strong fumes, and stress can make the blood vessels inside the nose sensitive. This causes rhinitis to appear. Going through pregnancy, puberty, or medication that affects a person’s hormones can also cause symptoms.
What to do next
Rhinitis can be treated in different ways depending on the causes, symptoms, and condition of the person. Some of the treatments offered to patients include saline nasal spray and antihistamines. Both of these options are available over the counter. It is best to consult with your doctor or medical practitioner to help you find the right treatment.
Saline Nasal Spray
There are different types of nasal sprays which are used to treat rhinitis. Among these are saline nasal sprays that clear the mucus in the nose so you can breathe easily. A saline nasal spray also helps in rinsing the nasal cavity of allergens to lessen the risk of rhinitis. As the different causes of rhinitis can dry out the nasal passages, a saline nasal spray can hydrate and reduce its dryness. The use of a saline nasal spray can help prevent cold-like symptoms, which can be beneficial for people who experience recurrent rhinitis.
The main ingredient of a saline nasal spray is salt. It can either be hypertonic or isotonic. A hypertonic saline solution has a higher salt content compared to what the body naturally has. It is used to remove nasal congestants. An isotonic saline spray has a similar salt content with the body and is more suitable for sensitive noses and frequent use. It helps in cleaning and keeping the nose from drying out.
Antihistamine
This is one of the more effective treatments used for rhinitis. When the body experiences allergic reactions, it releases histamines to protect it from harmful effects. Antihistamines suppress the effect of histamines which cause symptoms like watery eyes, clogged nose, and sneezing. Typically in tablet or spray form, antihistamines can sometimes cause drowsiness, while second generation antihistamines such as loratadine can provide fast, non-drowsy relief.
While saline nasal spray gives initial relief and prevention from allergens, antihistamines can reduce the symptoms and even stop them from occurring. Aside from preventing histamines, antihistamines can also help even before exposure to the allergens or irritants.
Any study to support nasal saline therapy with antihistamines?
As the saline nasal spray is a non-medicated treatment for rhinitis, it can be used while taking medicine. While medicine works from the inside of the body, saline nasal spray complements it by managing the nasal passages. It clears the nose of irritants and mucus and keeps it moist and regulated. A study shows that nasal symptoms were reduced after the use of nasal spray during steroidal treatment compared to just taking the medicine. Isotonic saline solutions were also found to significantly increase patients’ quality of life while receiving intranasal corticosteroids. According to an evidence-based review, improvements of up to 22.2% were observed for nasal therapy with antihistamines in treating seasonal allergic rhinitis . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904042/
The takeaway
Rhinitis can be treated and prevented. Knowing what causes rhinitis can help people avoid triggers. A person can avoid places that have a lot of irritants, or wear a mask to minimise airborne particles from entering the body. Over-the-counter nasal saline spray and antihistamine can provide initial relief for symptoms such as runny nose and coughing. If these symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
REFERENCES
- Allergic Rhinitis https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/ Accessed August 23, 2021
- Non-allergic Rhinitis https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-allergic-rhinitis/ Accessed August 23, 2021
- Impact of isotonic and hypertonic saline solutions on mucociliary activity in various nasal pathologies: clinical study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18957157/ Accessed August 23, 2021
- A daily nasal spray with saline prevents symptoms of rhinitis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15513550/ Accessed August 23, 2021
- Isotonic saline nasal irrigation is an effective adjunctive therapy to intranasal corticosteroid spray in allergic rhinitis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24857280/ Accessed August 23, 2021
- Antihistamines https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antihistamines/ Accessed August 23, 2021
- Hay fever : Which medications can relieve allergic rhinitis? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279486/ Accessed August 23, 2021
