What are the complications of untreated allergic rhinitis?

Complications of allergic rhinitis if left untreated

Inflammation in allergic rhinitis does not only affect the nose, but also the inner cavity of the skull (sinuses), inner ear, and lower respiratory tract. This is because all these areas are connected to one another.

Finding out how to prevent allergies means reducing the risk of complications from occurring. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that they have allergic rhinitis because the symptoms are so similar to the common cold or flu.

In fact, allergic rhinitis that is not handled properly can cause complications which are described as follows.

1. Perennial allergic rhinitis

Perennial allergic rhinitis , or perennial rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that is chronic in nature. In contrast to allergic rhinitis which occurs only when you inhale an allergen, perennial rhinitis lasts all year long like a cold that doesn't go away.

The most common triggers for perennial rhinitis are dust mites, followed by pets such as cats and dogs. Even so, any substance that is around you that you are often inhaled can actually trigger this condition.

If not diagnosed or treated properly, perennial rhinitis can lead to chronic sinusitis, nasal polyp growth, and other health problems such as:

otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear),
conjunctivitis of the eye (allergic eye),
eustachian duct disorders,
sleep disorders,
chronic fatigue, and
learning disorders.

Symptoms perennial allergic rhinitis the same as allergic rhinitis in general. You may feel an itchy, runny or blocked nose, and sneeze. These symptoms usually last throughout the year and get worse at certain times.

Perennial rhinitis is diagnosed by ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists. The doctor will ask about your symptoms, then proceed with allergy tests, blood tests, or imaging tests (CT scan and MRI) to see the inside of the nose.

As with most allergy treatments, you can treat perennial rhinitis by working to reduce allergen sources at home. If this doesn't work, your doctor may prescribe an antihistamine medication to relieve allergy symptoms.

Meanwhile, for people with chronic perennial rhinitis, there are immunotherapy options to train the immune system so that it is no longer sensitive to allergens. This therapy can take months to years, but the effect is quite effective.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is one of the most common complications experienced by allergic rhinitis sufferers. This condition is characterized by inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, which are the cavities in the skull associated with the nasal passages.

The sinuses naturally produce mucus that flows out into the nose through small ducts. However, if these ducts become inflamed or blocked (for example due to allergic rhinitis or nasal polyps), mucus will become trapped in them and become infected.

At first glance, the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis are indeed similar. Both are characterized by nasal congestion and headaches that get worse when pressed. However, both allergies and sinusitis actually have specific symptoms that you can observe.

Typical signs and symptoms of allergies are:

runny nose and sneezing,
itchy and watery eyes, as well
breath sounds loud (wheezing).

Meanwhile, the most typical symptoms of sinusitis are:

pain around the cheeks and eyes,
there is thick mucus that is yellow or green,
reduced ability to smell or taste,
tooth ache,
low-grade fever,
bad breath, and
fatigue.

Allergy symptoms usually only appear when you come in contact with or inhale an allergen. However, if you experience allergy symptoms accompanied by persistent nasal congestion for 3-8 weeks, you may have acute sinusitis.

More than that, consult a doctor immediately because you may experience chronic sinusitis. The doctor will perform allergy tests, examination of mucus samples, or imaging tests such as CT- scan and nasal endoscopy to diagnose this condition.

To reduce the discomfort caused by sinusitis, doctors usually give sinusitis spray or sinusitis drops decongestant medication. This medication can help moisturize the nasal passages and relieve inflammation.

Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics if your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Antibiotics must be consumed until they run out, so make sure to always adhere to the rules for taking medication so that the results are effective.

3. Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are flesh that grows on the inside of the nasal cavity or sinuses. Tissue growth is caused by inflammation of the inner lining of the nose and sometimes becomes a complication of untreated allergic rhinitis.

Polyps vary widely in size, ranging from the size of a water droplet when they are just growing to the size of a grape once they are fully grown. Polyps can appear independently or form a collection of lumps in both nostrils.

If they are very large or grow in clusters, polyps can block airflow and reduce your ability to smell. Polyps can also block the sinus passages, causing sinusitis.

People who have nasal polyps usually experience symptoms such as:

runny nose,
nasal congestion,
reduced ability to taste,
nosebleed,
there is mucus in the esophagus,
frequent snoring, and
sinusitis-like symptoms when polyps close the sinuses.

Nasal polyps often produce a collection of cold-like symptoms, but colds tend to improve within a few days. Meanwhile, the symptoms of nasal polyps will not improve unless you treat them.

This is why you need to see a doctor if you experience symptoms of nasal polyps. If it is proven that you have polyps in your nose, the doctor will give you corticosteroid drops to shrink the polyps.

The doctor may also prescribe a corticosteroid tablet to take for two weeks if the polyp size is very large or the drops are ineffective. If there is no progress for 10 weeks, the doctor may suggest surgical removal of the polyp.

4. Middle ear infection

Middle ear infection is a complication of various diseases of the nose, including allergic rhinitis. Infection is caused because rhinitis interferes with the function of the eustachian tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear.

If the function of the eustachian tube is impaired, fluid can build up in the middle ear and lead to infection. In some cases, the infection can also start from the back of the nose and then carry it to the ear via the eustachian tube.

People with middle ear infections usually experience the following symptoms:

earache,
a high fever exceeding 38 degrees Celsius,
lethargic body,
discharge from the ear,
a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear,
itching and irritation in and around the ears,
not feeling well, as well
impaired hearing function.

Middle ear infections generally get better within a few days. To relieve pain, you can take paracetamol or ibuprofen. If symptoms do not improve, see a doctor immediately so that you get the right treatment.

5. Obstructive sleep apnea

Untreated allergic rhinitis can lead to complications in the form of sleep disturbances. In some sufferers, this sleep disorder may take the form of apnea. Apnea is the stopping of your breath for a short period of time while you are asleep.

Launch page Sleep Foundation , sleep disorders such as apnea are very common in people with allergic rhinitis. In fact, the effect is quite large and can drastically reduce the sleep quality of the sufferer.

If allergic rhinitis is disrupting sleep, you will tire more quickly than usual. You are also more easily sleepy during the day and less productive during work and daily activities.

To overcome this, you need to treat allergic rhinitis which is the cause. There are a number of allergic rhinitis medications you can use, including antihistamines and decongestants. Talk to your doctor to find what works for you.

In certain cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroid drugs to reduce nasal congestion so that sleep quality can be improved. There is also a treatment option in the form of allergy shots for severe allergic rhinitis.

Left untreated allergic rhinitis not only causes complications in the respiratory system, but can also interfere with hearing and sleep quality. Therefore, get checked out immediately if you feel the symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis treatment may not completely cure allergic rhinitis. However, it can relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of developing complications in the future.