Advisory by Tran Anh Nhi, Guardian Pharmacist
Friendly Farmacist Friday: What seems like the flu may really just be an allergic reaction. Learn more about allergic rhinitis and how to better manage it with these simple tips.
What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (AR) refers to a group of symptoms such as sneezing, runny and blocked nose, itchy and watery eyes, postnasal drip, and cough.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
It happens when an individual is exposed and overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust, or chemicals, or to a change in temperature. Some individuals may suffer from AR all the time while others only have it at certain times of the year.
How should allergic rhinitis be managed?
Trigger identification and avoidance is still the best management strategy for AR.
Oral or topical antihistamines can effectively provide quick relief for intermittent allergic symptoms. However, if the symptoms are persistent, nasal steroids are preferred as they provide excellent and safe long-term control.
