Rhinitis

[Amti]

Following is my allergy test result:-
Fungi:- Moderate
Dust:-  Moderate
Food--pigeon peas :- Moderate

How severe is the allergy in this case?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Your allergy tests reports say that you are allergic to fungi(like molds),dust and pigeon peas on a moderate level.Looking at your earlier post and comparing your results with that post,the symptoms of running nose and sneezing can be attributed to allergic rhinitis or hay fever.
Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by airborne particles of dust, dander, or plant pollens in people who are allergic to these substances.

When a person with allergies breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, antibodies are produced. When the antibodies are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine and other chemicals are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production.

As your test reports have come out positive for molds,dust and pigeon peas,their avoidance is the best preventive treatment available.

For molds, maintain/clean dehumidifiers and air conditioners regularly. Air filters of the ac trap allergens, like molds, dust and pollen.  When the filters do not work properly, allergens may be released into the air, causing typical allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, runny nose, and wheezing. Wash shower curtains, bathroom tiles, and grout regularly and use a dehumidifier in your house.

For dust allergy, remove drapes, feather pillows, upholstered furniture, non-washable comforters and soft toys. Replace carpets with linoleum or wood. Vacuum soft furniture and curtains as well as floor Wash carpets and upholstery with special cleaners, such as benzyl benzoate or tannic acid spray. Wash all bedding in hot water (hotter than 130°F) every 7 to 10 days. Don't use mattress pads. Cover mattress and pillows with plastic covers. Lower the humidity in your home.Ref: http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/allergies/housedust.cfm

To avoid pigeon peas allergy,pls avoid taking pigeon peas in any food(even hidden ingredients).Also avoid getting exposed to the pollen and contact of pigeon peas to avoid any allergic reaction.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.

[Amti]

As per my allergy reports I have modeate allergy from dust and fungi.I think this should be the normal response by the human body.I stay in the very much humid coastal city(Mumbai)  and I dont have an AC at my home.I am sufferrring from rhinitis i.e. running nose,ithchy eyes frquently.I mean to say that I am okay for 15 days and then go through this runny nose, heavy head,stiff body phase for 15 days.I have never experienced like I was in contact of dust or fungi and I have started the rhinitis symptoms.
I am still confused about I am sufferring from allergic rhinitis or non-allergic rhinitis with eosinophilia(Eosinophils is 12%)?
Waiting for your reply

[Amti]

Is there any relationship between weak digestive system and rhinitis. I am having very weak digestive system and cannot digest heavy foods.Pls let me know on the same and can we quantify exactly how effective the digestive system is?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

As you are stating that the eosinophilic count in your case was 12%,so I think that it can be a case of NARES(Nonallergic rhinitis with eosinophilia syndrome). A distinguishing feature of NARES is the presence of eosinophils, usually 10-20% on nasal smears. In general, patients with NARES present with nasal congestion, sneezing, rhinorrhea, nasal pruritus, and hyposmia. NARES is more frequent in females at mean age. Family history is positive in part of cases. The clinical symptoms are sneezing, watery rhinorrhea, nasal obturation and nasal itching. The precipitating factors are often nonspecific irritants, weather changes or strong odors. It is not sure whether NARES is a form of a vasomotor rhinitis or a first stage of aspirin triad.

Treatment of NARES involves corticosteroids and antihistamines.
Ref: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12741149

I feel that you should consult an immunologist for the treatment. Take care and pls do keep us posted if you have any additional queries.

[Amti]

How much time it takes to completely cure allergic rhinitis?

I am under tratment of Odimont LC(Montelucast and levocerizine) and nasal spray Combinase AQ.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Predicting the time required to completely cure allergic rhinitis is not possible.It depends on the immune status of the patient along with a number of factors like environmental factors,susceptibility to allergies, exposure to the allergens,reaction of the body to air borne allergies and the genetic makeuip of the individuals.

But with the medicines you are taking along with efforts to avoid the allergens will help you in getting better soon.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.