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- What is allergic rhinitis?
- Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Causes of allergic rhinitis
- Prevention of allergic rhinitis
- Risk factors for allergic rhinitis
- Complications of allergic rhinitis
- When to see a doctor about allergic rhinitis
- Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
- Conventional treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Living with allergic rhinitis
- Caring for someone with allergic rhinitis
Risk factors for allergic rhinitis
Research shows that there are some risk factors associated with the development of allergic rhinitis.
Some of these risk factors are unpreventable:
- Essential fatty acid metabolism - some people with allergic rhinitis may have a problem with the way their body metabolises omega 3 essential fatty acids (EFA), which can then result in a deficiency and this can display in the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis
- Immune deficiencies - scientists think that some people with allergic rhinitis have a problem with the way their immune system reacts to possible allergens as invading pathogens (similar to a virus or bacteria) and specifically the IgA immunoglobulin, which is the antibody that deals with pathogens
- Severe viral infections - some scientists think that when some people have a number of recurrent and severe viral infections (such as mononucleosis, influenza, hepatitis), this can deplete the immune system to the point where it thinks any foreign body (dust, plants, chemicals, perfumes, cat fur, etc) is a potential pathogen that could cause harm to the body and reacts with an allergic reaction that is characterised by allergic rhinitis
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Some of these risk factors are mostly entirely preventable:
- Essential fatty acid deficiency - some people who have allergic rhinitis may have an omega 3 essential fatty acid deficiency. Studies show that Western society as a whole seems to be lacking in omega-3 EFA in their diet and so children especially with a predisposition to allergic rhinitis suffer even more if their diet is lacking this nutrient
- Improper weaning - pregnant and breastfeeding mothers especially should ensure they have enough omega 3 essential fatty acids in their diet to greatly reduce the risk of their child developing allergic rhinitis later in life
- Smoking during pregnancy - studies show that women who smoke while they are pregnant (and quite possibly also when they are breastfeeding) are significantly increasing their chances of having a child who has allergic rhinitis
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< 4: prevention 6: complications > Last reviewed: 21 September 2007 || Last updated: 9 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
