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Treatment of allergic rhinitis
My 17 year old daughter has been suffering with allergitic rhinitis for the past 5 years. Her symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, etc.
On observation it was found that these symptoms exist irrespective of seasons and has no relavance with foods, Right now using combination of montelukast sodium and levocitrazine for relief for past few months. Not sure about the possible side effects of these medications. Is there any blood test to find out the cause. Any suggestion how to go about the treatment. ?
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Hello @chidanand, welcome to Connect. You mentioned your daughter was observed, does this mean some testing was done to determine it is not seasonal? If you are comfortable sharing, what sort of testing was done? Here is what Mayo Clinic has to say about allergic rhinitis, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated, https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/allergic-diseases/minnesota/overview/specialty-groups/allergic-rhinitis.
"Allergy and immunology specialists perform a comprehensive evaluation including environmental history and physical. This will include reviewing of outside information provided by the patient. Typically, allergen skin prick testing and rhinoscopy (viewing of the nasal passages, sinuses and upper airway) are also performed."
From what I was able to find, allergic rhinitis can also be referred to as hay fever. Here is additional information to the above info, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373045.
Of note, "Montelukast can cause headaches. In rare cases, it has been linked to psychological reactions such as agitation, aggression, hallucinations, depression and suicidal thinking."
@chidanand, are the medications your daughter are on helping at all?
Hi, @chidanand - I wanted to add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I also have allergic rhinitis and have been treated since high school. I've had allergy testing by an allergist and then periods where I've taken medication plus allergy shots and other periods where I've just taken medication (usually prompted by falling off my prescribed schedule due to a move, travel, etc., followed by an agreed trial off the shots).
I am primarily allergic to cats and housedust, plus an outdoor mold, so I don't have the typical "hayfever." I've been tested for various foods with no significant results.
I'd also like to introduce you to other connect members who have mentioned allergies or allergic rhinitis. They may also have suggestions on how to go about getting the proper treatment through a physician and with self-care. Please meet @mena2020 @adnan786 @gardeningjunkie @gabrielm @goldleaf @jenniferhunter.
Sounds like you have a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis for your daughter. Has she seen an allergist? I'd also be curious about what @JustinMcClanahan asked about whether she has had allergy testing (like the pin prick test with various substances) to find out exactly what she's allergic to?