Health Watch by Zack Mack

Special to The North Jefferson News



It’s that time of year again.

Spring is upon us — the weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer and the trees are growing green once again. While most people enjoy this time of year, those who suffer from allergic rhinitis may dread the springtime and the symptoms that come with it. However, there are treatment options. With the proper treatment, this can be the year you can enjoy the outdoors this spring.

Allergic rhinitis is estimated to affect approximately 20 percent of the American population and costs the U.S. an estimated $5.3 billion dollars per year in treatment and lost productivity.



Symptoms

Several symptoms characterize this condition, including sneezing, nasal itching, congestion and rhinorrhea (runny nose). Sore throat, sinus congestion and itchy, watery eyes may also occur.

These symptoms are caused by inflammation in the affected tissues due to the body’s immune response to a foreign protein. Often the responsible proteins are pollen which explains the sharp increase in allergic rhinitis seen in the springtime.

There is a genetic component in the development of allergic rhinitis. You are much more likely to suffer from allergic rhinitis if other family members also suffer from allergic diseases. There is equal occurrence between men and women. The immune reaction to allergens in susceptible individuals is complex and multifactorial. The immune mediators most responsible for the irritating symptoms are histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins.

Allergic rhinitis sufferers do not usually have other immune system problems. The immune system has become overly sensitive to certain allergens which cause the response. Besides pollen, other triggers can include mold, dust and pet dander.



Treatment

The number of factors involved with allergic rhinitis symptoms means there are a variety of treatment options for the allergic rhinitis sufferer to consider. The number one treatment option is avoidance of known allergic triggers.

This is not always feasible and depends largely on what the triggers are and the lifestyle of the patient. The majority of allergic rhinitis symptoms can be successfully treated with drug therapy.

The most commonly used drug therapy for allergic rhinitis is antihistamines. Several are available as over the counter products. These drugs minimize the effect of the histamines released by the body. They are safe and have very few drug interactions.

The second-generation agents such as Claritin and Zyrtec are effective and are less sedating than older antihistamines such as Benadryl and Chlor-Trimeton. Claritin and Zyrtec are both available over the counter at the former prescription strength.

Both the first and second-generation agents are considered equally effective. These drugs are also available in combination with decongestants for patients with nasal congestion among their symptoms. There are also prescription antihistamines available such as Allegra and Clarinex.

Another prescription option is a leukotriene antagonist, such as Singulair. This drug treats a different immune mediator than the antihistamines and may be used in combination with an antihistamine in those with severe symptoms.

This drug is also used in the maintenance treatment of asthma. Nasal corticosteroids are another prescription option for allergic rhinitis. Examples include Nasonex, Rhinocort and Flonase.

These nasally inhaled agents work to decrease inflammation in the nasal passages thereby reducing congestion. These drugs are efficacious against all nasal rhinitis symptoms although they do not affect ocular symptoms.

Decongestants such as Sudafed may help decrease nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis. Sudafed is still available at your pharmacy, but you have to ask for it at the counter and sign a log to purchase it. This is due to regulations put in place to fight methamphetamine manufacturing. These drugs can provide short term relief of congestion for people who have the occasional episode of allergic rhinitis.

This is not an exhaustive list of treatment options for allergic rhinitis. There are several other prescription nasal sprays available which may be tried if the preferred options do not treat the symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis is a very common condition, particularly at this time of year. It is also a very treatable condition with many successful treatments available as OTC products. If you suffer from allergic rhinitis ask your pharmacist or other health professional for advice on treatment and enjoy the spring this year.

Zack Mack is a PharmD candidate, working at The Pharmacy in Mt. Olive. The Pharmacy can be reached at 631-1201.