Why does someone require a swallowing specialist?

Just like breathing, swallowing is an essential activity of life. On an average, an adult swallow somewhere between 500-700 times a day. And, this activity occurs even when you are sleeping. Difficulty in swallowing is not a condition but a symptom of many conditions.

Medically known as dysphagia, in most cases the difficulty in swallowing is not severe and goes away in a week or two.

However, in some cases it can be a symptom of a tumor or a disorder. Dysphagia is a condition that is mostly observed in seniors even though it can occur in any age group.

Weather changes, drinking cold water, having cold, or having certain foods excessively can cause mild difficulty in swallowing.

If the difficulty is not gone in a day or two, you might want to consider seeing an ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist.

Swallowing occurs in 4 related stages and the 1st stage takes place in the mouth in the form of preparation.

Swallowing is a complex mechanism and various organs are involved in it to make it a smooth passage for food or liquid you take in a day.

Here are the 4 stages involved in the swallowing process. The first and second stages need your effort but the third and fourth stages occur without you knowing them.

1. 1st Stage: Foods or liquids in the mouth are prepared and gathered together by the tongue to be swallowed.
2. 2nd Stage: The actual swallowing starts when the tongue pushes the gathered food or liquid at the back of the mouth. This is called oral stage.
3. 3rd Stage: This stage is known as the pharyngeal stage where the food or liquid enters the esophagus after passing through the pharynx.
4. 4th Stage: From the esophagus, the food or liquid is pushed into the stomach, completing the swallowing process. This is known as the esophageal stage.

Dysphagia: Causes

There can be many reasons for dysphagia as it is a symptom of many conditions such as swallowing disorders, lumps in the throat, strep throat, throat cancer, tonsillitis, and mouth ulcer.

Here are a few frequent causes behind this symptom.

Throat Infections: Overuse of voice, sore throat, tonsillitis, and infections such as cold or flu can cause dysphagia.

Weakness of Throat Muscles: Age-related weakness, scar of esophagus, and throat muscle weakness.

These are the common causes and, in some cases, the following conditions can cause difficulty in swallowing.

• Nerve Diseases: Nerve conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or stroke
• Cancerous Tumors: Throat cancer, lung cancer, and esophageal cancers

Besides, certain medications such as kinins, substance P, and prostaglandins (used for inflammation) can also cause dysphagia.

Typical Symptoms of Dysphagia

The primary symptom is difficulty in swallowing. Besides that, drooling, inability to move saliva, and food particles getting stuck in the throat or a feeling that they are stuck are a few symptoms.

In severe conditions, feeling the presence of lumps in the throat, developing infections in mouth, pneumonia, changed voice, and losing weight are observed.

The Role of ENT Specialists in Treating Swallowing Disorders:

ENT specialists are the designated specialists to see when you are feeling throat pain or difficulty in swallowing.

As swallowing difficulty is not a diagnosis but a symptom, your ENT specialist needs to work with other specialists such as speech language pathologists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists based on the diagnosis.

• During the treatment process, the ENT specialist will enquire about your recent medical history and might conduct a physical throat exam using laryngoscope.
• Flexible endoscopic evaluation (also known as FEES) is conducted to check the accuracy of throat muscular action.

Various tests and examinations are done before finding the root cause of the swallowing difficulty. The prognosis for swallowing in difficulty is purely based on the root cause.

The best way to find a chronic pain in swallowing is seeking treatment from the best ENT specialist in your locality. Besides the medications, follow the simple lifestyle changes below for better treatment outcomes.

• Make changes in the texture and size of food you swallow
• Follow the posture changes as suggested by your ENT doctor
• Follow yogic practices and exercises to strengthen your throat muscles

Tips for maintaining a healthy voice

Voice is the sound which is produced when air that is forced out of the lungs passes over the vocal cords. Voice disorders occur when there is a problem in the quality of the voice including pitch, volume and tone. These disorders are developed in people for multiple reasons. Doctors who specialize in Ear Nose Throat (ENT) problems must be consulted for diagnosing and treating voice disorders.

The treatment approach may involve medication, injections, therapy or surgery depending upon the cause. Vikram ENT Hospital is a state-of-art specialized ENT Hospital in Coimbatore and a globally renowned Centre that provides effective treatment and cure to a wide variety of ENT issues including voice disorders.

Causes of Voice Disorders

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections like laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, sore throat and common cold
• Strep throat
• Hyper nasal speech
• Presence of white patches(leukoplakia)
• Inflammation caused by gastrointestinal reflux
• Misuse and over-usage of vocals
• Certain neurological diseases like vocal fold paralysis
• Polyps, nodules or cysts in the vocal cord
• Lumps in the throat
• Throat cancer
• Psychological trauma

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done through a detailed investigation and physical examination of vocal cords using clinical instruments like angled mirrors, laryngoscope and video stroboscope. Further tests may include acoustic (sound) analysis and laryngeal electromyography.

Treatment

• Rest, hydration and therapy - Taking rest, drinking sufficient water and taking therapy from speech pathologists for using the voice effectively can help in curing mild voice disorders.
• Allergy medication - If mucus accumulation due to allergy is hampering the voice, doctors give medication to treat the problem.
• Lifestyle changes - If the disorder is caused by smoking, cessation of this unhealthy habit is recommended.
• Medications - Medications may be given to reduce inflammation, manage gastro esophageal reflux or prevent the regrowth of blood vessels.
• Interventions - Laser surgery is used to remove non-cancerous growths like lesions, nodules and cysts in the throat if they are affecting the voice. A damaged vocal cord may also be replaced surgically with a healthy nerve from the neck. Thyroplasty is another treatment option wherein an implant is inserted against the paralyzed vocal cord. Alternatively, medicinal injections are given to resolve the neurological movement disorders that affect the vocal muscles.

Tips to keep the voice healthy

• Always drink sufficient water to keep the body hydrated as proper water balance helps to lubricate the vocal cords. Consumption of caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided. Fruits like apple, watermelons, peaches, grapes and plums are good natural sources for hydration.
• Take so-called ‘vocal naps’ when you have used the voice for a considerable length of time.
• Quit the habit of smoking as it not only raises the risk of throat cancer but also negatively impacts the voice. Even inhaling secondary smoke is harmful.
• Never abuse or misuse your voice. Hoarseness is a clear indication that depicts that vocal cords are irritated. It is essential to avoid yelling and screaming in noisy zones during such times.
• Ensure that the throat and neck muscles are kept relaxed and not strained even if you are using raised pitch or singing high notes. Singers may tilt their heads up towards the ceiling when singing high notes and lower them towards the floor during the low ones. Strained vocal muscles can create a long-term impact on the vocal range.
• When you speak, make sure that there is proper breath flow. The way we speak has a huge impact on protecting our voice.
• Do not develop the habit of clearing your throat often because it harms the vocal cords. That causes injury and makes the voice further hoarse. A good alternative is to swallow the saliva or have a sip of water.
• Do not speak much when you are ill especially if you are having a cold, sinus or throat infection.
• Use a loudspeaker or amplifier while addressing large gatherings in public rather than using a loud tone.
• It is advisable to humidify your surroundings, be it the home or workspaces. That is because a moist atmosphere is good for the throat and voice.
• When you have a throat infection, try to eat nutritious yet soft food. Some best foods for sore throat that will aid in soothing it are turmeric, scrambled eggs, honey, cooked vegetables, soup, cinnamon, ginger, apple cider vinegar and cinnamon.
• Consider voice therapy from a professional speech-language pathologist.

All the information about Tinnitus - Signs, Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Methods

Tinnitus is the medical terminology for ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Apart from ringing, people who are suffering from this problem may also hear sounds like roaring, whistling or hissing though there are no external sources. Tinnitus can be frustrating as it interferes in the normal hearing process. The unwanted sounds heard disrupt the flow of the genuine sounds around a person. Neglecting this disorder can lead to anxiety, depression and stress.

Tinnitus can happen in people of all ages though it is most common in older adults. The problem can occur either in one or both the ears. Patients who experience persistent or frequent ringing in the ears must consult the ENT doctor for accurate identification of the cause and appropriate medical intervention. Vikram ENT Hospital, a reputed ENT Hospital in Coimbatore, offers promising treatment for tinnitus and all other ENT problems. It is equipped with state-of-art infrastructure and experienced ENT specialists who have created innumerable patient success stories with their prompt diagnosis and effective treatment procedures.

Causes

• Middle ear damage
• Inner ear damage
• Ageing
• Hearing loss
• Constant exposure to loud sounds
• Side-effects of medications like certain antibiotics and diuretics
• Meniere’s disease (improper balancing and hearing of inner ears)
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Earwax blockage
• Head or neck trauma
• Some joint disorders which lead to chronic pain in the jaws and the head
• Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

Symptoms and Signs

Patients suffering from tinnitus experience signs of non-auditory internal sounds in the ears which may be high or low-pitched. These sounds are clearer at night or when there is quietness around. Some of the abnormal sounds heard are whistling, chirping, clicking, screeching, pulsing, whooshing or musical. Other related symptoms include-

• Pain in the ears
• Hearing loss
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Sleep disturbances like sleep apnea
• Psychological depression

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the timely management of tinnitus. ENT doctors usually do a physical examination first to check for any abnormalities. Hearing or audiometry tests may be conducted to evaluate the perception of various types of sounds. The middle and inner ears can be examined using an otoscope. Rhinoscopy may also be done to view the internal structures like nasal septum and sinuses. Sometimes, doctors recommend blood tests to rule out hormonal issues like thyroid which can cause this disorder.

Treatment

Removal of Blockage - If ear wax deposits are causing the tinnitus, the ENT doctor will remove it to reduce the symptoms.

Medications and Devices - Though medications may not cure tinnitus, they can help in providing some relief from unwanted sounds. Usually, anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants are prescribed. Since some medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause the ringing in the ears, doctors may advise stoppage of such medicines. Hearing aids may be used if the tinnitus is caused by age-related or noise-induced hearing loss.

Restraining Therapy - This form of treatment uses two approaches-

• Directive counselling in which intensive and individual patient awareness and education are given about the causes and effects of this problem on the ear and brain along with the coping mechanisms.
• Low-level sound generators are used to help the brain to re-learn the patterns that de-emphasize the prominence of tinnitus and desensitize the patients who are oversensitive to sound.

Additionally, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be used as a psychological intervention to lower the stress and distraction associated with tinnitus.

Surgical Procedures - Underlying abnormal blood vessel conditions may be treated by surgery to resolve the tinnitus issue. In case permanent or severe hearing loss occurs due to tinnitus, cochlear implant treatment is given by insertion of an electronic device into the inner ear to restore hearing.

Prevention Methods

• Avoid constant exposure to loud sounds.
• Protect the ears from noise using earplugs and masks.
• Decrease anxiety and hypertension.
• Practice mindfulness and stress relieving activities like meditation and yoga.
• Avoid long-term usage and high dosage of certain medicines like aspirin.
• Quit smoking and reduce intake of caffeine products.
• Counteract age-related hearing loss by doing exercises that increase the blood circulation to the ears and relax the muscle tissue in the neck. Some such exercises to boost hearing are head rotation, neck flexion and extension and putting legs up the wall in a restoration inversion pose after lying down on the floor or cot.

Ear infection and obesity - What is the connection?

As children, we all would have experienced ear infections every now and then. Even though ear infections can be observed in many children, they are prevalent in adults too. By causing perforation of the eardrum, mastoiditis, meningitis, hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, and possibly, and Meniere's disease, ear infections can be a painful rite of passage to pass through. And, now there is another addition to this list - Obesity, particularly in children.

New medical researchers confirm that prolonged or unattended ear infections can cause obesity by influencing the child’s food preferences negatively after damaging the taste nerves. This will further lead to obesity and its complications as the child ages. Stay with us as we help you find out more about the connection between the ear infections and obesity in children.

Ear infections and obesity - What is the connection?

Have you ever lost the sense of taste when you are sick? Losing the taste sense is quite common whenever the sensory organs get sick. When the health issue is addressed, the sense is restored.

Ear infections are suspected to influence and even damage the most important taste nerves beyond repair in some of the chronic conditions. It is believed so because the taste nerves pass through these ear canals to the brain. Showing the effect of tonsillectomies (which damages the taste nerve that passes through the throat), many researches have conceded that the chronic ear infections are behind the obesity in children.

What exactly the research says?

"Middle ear infection is a common childhood disease and obesity is a growing problem worldwide," says Linda Bartoshuk, PhD, of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Concreting Dr Bartoshuk’s comments, many series of studies have addressed this while confirming the connection.

In another attempt, John Hayes, PhD, from Brown University, in collaboration with University of Connecticut, found solid associations between ear infections, taste nerves, food choices, and obesity. The study was conducted on preschoolers with a history of chronic ear infections. The other batch includes children who have no or minimal history of ear infections.

Children with a severe history of infection have preferred to eat sweet and high fat foods and fewer vegetables. Dr. Hayes confirms that the results suggest that the taste nerve damage influences the food choices.

What causes ear infections in children?

Be it acute or chronic, all types of ear infections in children need to be checked thoroughly by the qualified ENT specialist. An ear infection is a result of bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear. Medically known as otitis media (the complex sections of the ear located just behind the eardrum), can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe with the fluid buildup.

How to prevent ear infections in children?

Even though most of the ear infections are unpreventable, strengthening the immunity, adjusting the body to the outside temperature, and preventing exposure to the virus and bacteria can help you in beating ear infections. Let’s have a look into the ways you can prevent ear infections. 

• Breastfeed: Ear infections can be prevented with stronger antibodies. Breastfeeding for at least 6 to 12 months greatly enhances your baby’s immunity.
• Vaccination: Ensure your baby gets all the prescribed vaccinations without fail. Besides the healthy diet, vaccines give that extra edge for your baby to fight diseases and infections.
• Carefully bottle feed: If you are bottle feeding your baby, ensure you hold your baby in an upright position so that the fluid does not enter into the Eustachian tubes.
• Take care of the environment: Provide your baby a germ-free and healthy environment. Take all the necessary measures to prevent bugs and mosquitoes from the reach of your baby.
• Be prepared for the weather conditions: Changing weather conditions mean that the body needs the much-needed protection to prevent cold and other infections. Tuck in your baby with warm clothing’s and tidy sheets.

This applies to kids across all age groups. If you are observing any blocks in the hearing ability of your kids, reach out for the proper medical help from your local ENT specialists at the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore.

Smell and Taste Disorders - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The sense of smell and taste are closely linked. The taste buds in the tongue help in identifying the taste and the nerves of the nose sense the smell. Both these sensations are transmitted to the brain and processed there so that the flavours may be recognised and relished. Sometimes, there may be impairments in smelling and tasting as many people are born with such disorders. Loss of smell and taste is also common in ageing.

However, these disorders may be indicative of underlying diseases or health issues. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, poor nutrition and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis are some such ailments. Though the problem may not be life-threatening always, it is important to identify the right cause associated with it. One of the popular ENT Hospitals in Coimbatore that precisely treats this condition is Vikram ENT Hospital. As a globally renowned specialist treatment centre, this hospital has a team of extremely skilled ENT doctors in Coimbatore to deliver high-quality treatment.

Causes of Smell and Taste Disorders

• Nasal congestion due to common cold, flu attacks, sinus infections and Hay Fever
• Presence of blockages like nasal polyps and deviated septum
• Hormonal changes
• Poor oral hygiene resulting in dental and mouth infections
• Exposure to certain harmful chemicals
• Side-effect of medications like antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Smoking tobacco
• Radiation therapy treatment administered for head and neck cancer
• Cocaine abuse
• Tumours
• COVID
• Head injuries

Symptoms

The symptoms of smell and taste disorders may vary from person to person. While some people experience total loss of these senses, others may have reduced ability to smell, taste and relish various kinds of foods. In some exceptional cases, even pleasant odours and taste may become unpleasant and unappealing.

Types of Smell and Taste Disorders

• Anosmia-Loss of sense of smell
• Ageusia-Loss of sense of taste
• Hyposmia-Decreased ability to smell
• Hypogeusia-Reduced ability to taste and differentiate between sweet, sour, salty and bitter foods

Diagnosis

The ENT specialist does a complete physical examination and also examines the medical history about the symptoms. Further investigation may be done if required by doing tests like CT scan, MRI scan, brain x-ray and nasal endoscopy to check for the presence of abnormal blockages and growths.

Anosmia Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the anosmia. If it is due to a cold or sinusitis, the problem is likely to clear on its own within a few days. However, if it persists, doctors may recommend prescription medications like steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamines, steroids and antibiotics for bacterial infections. Lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking and decreasing the exposure to nasal irritants and allergens can also be helpful. If a prescribed medication is causing the loss of smell, patients may discuss with their physicians to substitute it with other treatment options. Surgical intervention is essential to remove the obstruction if polyps or tumours are present. It is advisable to follow environmental safety recommendations and install proper chemical detectors at home for identifying dangerous gases like carbon-monoxide if a permanent loss of smell is experienced.

Hyposmia Treatment

The treatment of hyposmia is along the same lines as anosmia. Doing nasal rinses, smell restraining therapy and certain health supplements like Vitamin B12 may also be beneficial. Foods like fish, meat, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt and chicken can also help in improving the sense of smell.

Ageusia Treatment

If ageusia is due to allergies and infections, doctors may prescribe relevant medicines to clear the condition and relieve the symptoms. In some cases changing certain medications or stopping them may be necessary. If ageusia is caused by ageing, it is likely to be permanent and cannot be reversed completely. In such cases, treatment involves teaching coping strategies like preparing foods with more spices and safe colours to make them delicious. Quitting the smoking habit can improve the taste significantly. Besides, maintaining good oral hygiene helps in regaining better taste. A customized treatment plan is needed if the problem is caused by head injury or mental ailments.

Hypogeusia Treatment

The treatment approach is similar to ageusia. Intranasal sprays and vaporisers are sometimes used in treating hypogeusia. Using aromatic herbs and ingredients of different textures can help in better managing this disorder. Vitamin D and zinc supplements are beneficial too.

Nasal Irrigation for Sinus Issue - Safe or Not?

Nasal irrigation or sinus flush is a simple and safe remedy for relief from sinusitis and other nasal allergies. People use simple neti pots, bulb syringes, and squeeze bottles to wash away the allergens and mucus while giving a relief from stuffy nose.

Nasal irrigation also helps to moisture the mucous membrane that tends to get dry and causes irritation due to sinus symptoms.

Generally, sinus flush is a safe method but there are a few things everyone should remember before flushing that salt or saline water into those nasal passages. The first rule, people should use it only after being prescribed by the ENT specialist.

Besides the guidelines provided by your ENT doctor, here are a few important aspects you should be aware of about nasal irrigation.

First Things First - The Preparation

After the consultation at the ENT hospital, your doctor might have prescribed you with the necessary equipment along with saline solution. It is highly recommended people to buy the saline solution as it is simple and avoids any contamination.

If you are preparing the isotonic solution on your own, use warm and sterile water and mix it with sodium chloride (unprocessed salt) as per the prescribed measures by your doctor. Non-sterile water might contain a parasitic amoeba that might cause a fatal infection by reaching out to the brain.

Step by Step Guide for Nasal Irrigation

Once the solution is prepared and the equipment is sterilised, follow these steps to proceed with the nasal irrigation process. Before that, keep in mind that nasal irrigation is useful only for short-term relief and people with sinus issues should seek medical help for long-term solutions.

Step 1: Stand in front of the sink and fill up the neti pot or bulb syringe (whichever you have been prescribed with)

Step 2: Slightly tilt your head towards the left if you are flushing the right nostril or right-wards if you are flushing the left nostril.

Step 3: Take a deep breathe and gently flush the solution inside the nostril. Do not try to breathe but if you have to, use your mouth (not nose).

Step 4: Once the irrigation is completed for both the nostrils, take a clean towel of tissue and gently wipe off the debris and water inside the nose.

Nasal irrigation can be done while you are lying down too. Lie down on your side and keep a pan below your nose. Use the neti pot to start the draining process.

Is Nasal Irrigation Impactful?

Even though this method is proven to be extremely effective, people with sinus are expected to be careful with their saline preparation and the frequency of nasal irrigation.

Check with your doctor as to how often you should irrigate. Generally, your doctor might suggest 1-3 irrigations per day. The threats of excessive irrigation are the damage of the sensitive membrane inside the nose and the infection caused by parasitic amoeba.

Safety Tips for Nasal Irrigation

• Wash your hands, clean the neti pot, bulb syringe, or the squeezer and dry them completely.
• Irrigation is not recommended even for excessive nasal congestion if you have recently undergone a sinus surgery.
• Ensure the water is not cold or not hot. Lukewarm solution is always recommended.
• Clean the equipment properly after each irrigation and dry them.

You Should Avoid Sinus Flush in the Following Contexts: 

• Performing it on infants and children.
• If you have any facial wounds that are yet to heal or skeletomuscular injuries.
• Frequent irrigation beyond the recommended count by your sinus specialist.

The Risks Involved in Sinus Irrigation

Apart from the risk of dangerous parasitic amoeba infection, there are other risks involved in sinus irrigation that is performed incorrectly. Be informed that these are risks and not necessarily to be associated with everyone who performs nasal irrigation.

• Heaviness of head, dizziness and headaches.
• Ear fullness and ringing sensation
• Sneezing and itchiness inside the nose
• Bleeding in a very few rare cases

Bleeding might also happen in people who have undergone nasal surgery recently and it can be perceived as a common effect. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, reach out to your ENT doctor for an examination. 

Takeaway:

Nasal irrigations are safe as long as they are performed under the strict guidelines of your doctor. If you feel any abnormalities such as headaches, seizures, or bleeding, book an appointment with the best ENT hospital in your locality, at the earliest.

Understanding Nasal allergies

Allergies are caused by substances called allergens and it is one of the common health problems. There are two types of allergic symptoms, one that is caused during particular season which is seasonal and the other that is caused all year long.

The most common allergens include,

• Air-borne agents (from ragweed, grass and trees)
• Furs and feathers from animals
• Dust mites
• Pests
• Certain foods
• Mold

Allergens are always not the same and not harmful for everyone but when a particular person has allergy the body thinks these allergens are harmful and create antibodies that creates the allergic reaction in the host body.

Nasal allergies – Causes, Signs and Treatment:

Causes:

When the body attacks the allergens with particular antibodies that are attached to mast cells this releases histamine and few other chemicals which thereby irritate the nasal tissue causing Nasal allergy symptoms in the particular individual. This may also lead to other health issues like asthma.

Signs:

Since the allergy affects the nasal tissue it causes physical changes like swelling of the tissue that leads to nose blockage or itchy nose. In some cases fluid discharges may occur from the nose or even down the back of the throat. This signs may occur in case of asthma and sinus problems where it is also related to the nasal allergy symptoms.

The most common symptoms include,

• Nasal congestion
• Watery discharge from the nose
• Postnasal drip or dripping at the back of the throat
• Sneezing and coughing or sore throat
• Inflammation in the nose
• Swelling of eyes, redness and watery eyes
• Itchiness of throat, eyes ,nose and even ears
• Ear congestion
• Head ache
• Sinus pain and swelling

Allergic Rhinitis/Hay fever/ Allergic sinusitis:

Allergic reactions to specific allergens are often termed as Allergic rhinitis or Hay fever. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is mostly caused by pollens and it thus occurs with the change of seasons. According to AAAAI, 10 to 30 percent of the worldwide population may also have allergic rhinitis or Hay fever.

The basic symptoms of allergic rhinitis includes the symptoms of common nasal allergies along with dark circles, eczema symptoms like dry and itchy skin that can blister and weep, hives and excessive fatigue. Fever is not a symptom of Hay fever. The constant headache and fatigue is a symptom of long term exposure to allergens. Allergic sinusitis is the inflammation of the cavities and membranes in and around nasal passages due to allergies.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis:

• Seasonal - That usually occurs during particular seasons like spring and fall season and mostly they are caused by outdoor allergens like tree pollens.
• Perennial - This can occur all year round and are mostly caused by indoor allergens like dust mites and pet dander.

Risk factors for allergic rhinitis:

Certain conditions that can worsen the effects of allergens includes,

• Cigarette smoke
• Air pollutants
• Humidity
• Cold temperatures
• Chemicals
• Hairspray
• Perfumes
• Fumes

Diagnosis of Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever):

If you have minor allergies, the skin doctors will do a physical exam (allergy testing) which includes skin prick test where your doctor will place several substances onto your skin to see how your body reacts to each one. If you have allergy to those particular substance red bumps will appear, that’s when your doctor will come up with treatment and prevention plans.

In certain cases a blood test is conducted, which is otherwise called Radioallergosorbent test (RAST). It measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies to particular allergens in blood.

Treatment of Allergic rhinitis (Hay fever):

The treatment of Hay fever includes providing anti histamines, decongestants, eye drops and nasal sprays recommended by your doctor. In certain cases your doctor may suggest taking immunotherapy or allergy shots. Also SLIT, (Sublingual immunotherapy) this involves placing a tablet containing a mixture of several allergens under your tongue.

Other than the above mentioned certain home remedies like using specific filter based air conditioners or dehumidifiers at home for people who get affected by seasonal allergens. Also people who are affected by indoor allergens should clean the house properly and wash sheets and blankets with hot water above 54.4 Degree Celsius.