Does air quality affect your allergic rhinitis
Air quality and pollution are global concerns. It is no secret that air quality can have a major impact on your health too. Moreover, did you know that some indoor air pollutants can be upto five times more concentrated than outdoor air pollutants? (Source: European Lung White Book) The way you cook, clean and live can affect the quality of air inside your home too. This is compounded by the fact that you spend up to 90% of your life indoors. (Source: European Lung White Book) While air pollution is one of the main factors associated with the development of chronic allergic rhinitis. Air quality can be a real concern for people who suffer from rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis can also have a significant impact on the quality of life. It affects up to 40% of people worldwide. (Source: World Allergy Organization) While allergies can be bothersome, it can be easily managed with the help of early diagnosis and the right treatment.
What is the cause of allergic rhinitis?
If you are allergic, the body identifies certain substances as a threat. Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system reacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander or mold. If you have an oversensitive immune system, it will react to allergens by producing defensive antibodies to fight them off. Antibodies are usually produced to fight viruses and infections. This triggers a chemical reaction that causes allergic rhinitis symptoms such as congestion, a runny nose or inflammation in the airways.
How does air quality affect asthma or allergic rhinitis?
There is a strong correlation between ambient air pollution and respiratory disease. It is found to have a strong link to an increased prevalence of allergies too. In more than 27 studies, it has been concluded that an increase in air pollution plays a significant role in asthma flare ups. Moreover, children that are exposed to higher levels of air pollution for a longer duration have a lower lung function level.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or year-round. Air quality may not directly cause rhinitis but it can aggravate allergic rhinitis symptoms. This includes headaches, blocked or runny noses, itchy or watery eyes and sleep disturbances.
Other contributing factors include cigarette smoke, mosquito coils, incense sticks, pollen and more. (Source: Indian Pediatrics) While there are many things that can contribute to outdoor air pollution, the following indoor sources may surprise you. Let’s take a look at what contributes to indoor air pollution.
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Everyday cooking:
In poorly ventilated homes, indoor smoke can be 100 times higher in pollutants than it should be. (Source: WHO)
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Cleaning products:
The cleaning products you use every day while dusting can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This can aggravate allergic rhinitis symptoms. Perfumed cleaning products can also contribute to indoor air pollution.
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Winter warmers:
Log-burning, fireplaces or burning perfumed candles can contribute to higher levels of indoor air pollution. They emit particles and other pollutants, such as VOCs, which can aggravate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. (Source: British Lung Foundation)
Other sources of indoor pollution include building and paint products, pesticides or humidity.
Tips to battle indoor air pollution
Reducing indoor pollution is particularly important as the symptoms can considerably impact your day to day life. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the indoor air pollution which aggravates allergic rhinitis symptoms.
- When cooking, always open doors or windows and if possible, use an extractor fan.
- Avoid cleaning sprays, which can be inhaled more easily.
- Always open windows when cleaning.
- Try introducing houseplants that are particularly effective at purifying the air in your home or office.
Allergic Rhinitis Treatment
In conventional treatment, antihistamines, oral or topical steroids or immune therapy is used. Most of these treatments aim at relieving only the symptoms and long term use of these can also cause side-effects.
A recent study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has acknowledged that homeopathy can have beneficial effects on the nasal and ocular symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Homeopathic treatments provide a natural and cost-effective solution. Homeopathic medicine helps to enhance immunity in the most natural, safe and effective way. Unlike conventional treatment, homeopathic medicines for allergies do not cause drowsiness or dependency. Allergic rhinitis symptoms have a major impact on psychological and physical wellbeing. Therefore, homeopathy offers significant relief from the agony of rhinitis (nasal allergy). For long term relief, homeopathic medicines mainly target the body’s immune system. This helps to reduce hypersensitivity to allergens. In the long run, with homeopathic treatment, you will react less aggressively to the allergens, which gradually help to treat hypersensitivity.
Why Choose Dr Batra’s®?
At Dr Batra’s®, thousands of patients have been treated for allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy) over the past 35 years. They have reported significant relief from this distressing condition. The latest launch of Dr Batra’s® Allergone is a breakthrough in treating allergy problems with homeopathy. It is 1st of its kind homeopathic nebulization that is natural and side-effect free.
The homeopathic doctors conduct an in-depth consultation and use the medical science of homeopathy to devise a unique, individualized treatment. This treatment includes homeopathic medicines for allergic rhinitis, diet and lifestyle tips for complete well-being. As authenticated by American Quality Assessors, Dr Batra’s® has a success rate of 96.3% for treating respiratory problems including rhinitis. The holistic approach provided by Dr Batra’s® treatment has helped patients combat their illness and live a better quality of life over a period of time. All this is without the possible side-effects associated with conventional treatment. To know more, consult a homeopathic doctor. Book an appointment with us by visiting: www.drbatras.com/book-an-appointment.
Also read: How can I get rid of allergic rhinitis permanently?
