Have you ever wondered what ‘allergic rhinitis’ is and how it can affect a person’s daily well-being? If you or someone you know is dealing with uncomfortable symptoms like constant sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, allergic rhinitis might be the culprit. With a better understanding of this common condition, you can take the first steps towards effective and sustained relief.

In response to common environmental allergens, the body triggers a cascade of reactions that create the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, a highly prevalent health issue that often challenges both patients and medical professionals. Like other health conditions, allergic rhinitis can also be exacerbated by stress and anxiety.

So, how can we help alleviate the torment of allergic rhinitis and improve the quality of life for these individuals? Here at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), we know there is hope. We firmly believe that “anything that stress and anxiety can worsen, scientific hypnosis can help”. And that’s why we are here to provide you with the knowledge to understand the causes, symptoms, and effective treatments for allergic rhinitis.

While scientific hypnosis is not a substitute for traditional medical treatments, it can significantly enhance results when combined with evidence-based practices. Let’s explore the wonderful world of clinical hypnosis and discover how it can play a role in the effective management of allergic rhinitis.

Understanding allergic rhinitis: what is it?

Allergic rhinitis is the body’s response to specific allergens, such as dust, pollen, and pets. The nose, especially the inner lining, reacts to these allergens by producing histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation in the nasal mucosa.

This condition is quite common, affecting a large portion of the global population. To give you an idea, it is estimated that 10% to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children are affected by allergic rhinitis.

It’s worth noting that allergic rhinitis is not a contagious disease. It is an immune response of our body to allergens. Therefore, it is considered a brain-immune disease that occurs when our immune system overprotects our body from “invaders” and fights them, even if they are not harmful.

This disease can be seasonal, known as hay fever, usually caused by pollen allergies during certain times of the year, or perennial (year-round), caused by allergies to substances like dust mites, mold, pet dander, etc.

The important thing to remember is that allergic rhinitis is not just a nuisance, but it can severely affect sleep quality, work or school performance, and overall quality of life.

The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Our body reacts in various ways when we face allergic rhinitis. Understanding these signs is essential to seek professional help and start treatment as soon as possible.

Let’s start with the most common symptoms. One of the first signs to appear is constant sneezing. This body reaction is an attempt to expel foreign particles present in the nasal passages.

Next, we may notice itching in the nose, throat, and even the eyes. This is a sign that the body is reacting to allergenic substances. The reddish appearance of the eyes is also very common.

Among the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, we also have a constantly runny nose, resembling a cold state. This is a way for our body to try to cleanse the airways, performing a sort of “wash” of foreign agents. Nasal obstruction is also a consequence of the inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa.

And speaking of similarity to colds and flu, we can’t forget the nighttime symptoms. People with allergic rhinitis often have trouble sleeping, resulting in frequent daytime fatigue.

There are other symptoms related to allergic rhinitis, but these are the most common. Upon noticing them, seeking the help of a healthcare professional is the most recommended step.

Factors that trigger an allergic rhinitis attack

The human body is an incredible machine, but it also needs to be cared for. Regarding “allergic rhinitis”, some factors can initiate an attack. One of these causes is dust mites present in household dust. They love humid and dark environments.

Remember that plant pollen can be another cause. It is airborne, especially in spring and summer, facilitating the inhalation of the allergen.

Cigarette smoke is also a problem. Even if you don’t smoke, passive exposure to smoke can trigger allergic rhinitis.

Pets, especially dogs and cats, can provoke attacks in some individuals. Specifically, their saliva and fur, as they can carry allergens.

In addition, mold and humidity are perfect conditions for fungus development. Therefore, if you live in a place that is humid and conducive to mold, it is very important to be aware of this and take the necessary precautions.

Finally, climate changes and air pollution can also trigger allergic rhinitis attacks. It is essential to understand what triggers your attacks so that you can prevent and take better care of yourself.

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

When discussing allergic rhinitis, it is essential to understand how the diagnosis is made. This process begins with a thorough questioning about the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Often, the answers to these questions can already provide strong indications of the disease’s presence.

Next, it is common for the specialist to choose to perform a series of tests to confirm the hypothesis and rule out other possible conditions. Among the procedures that may be requested, the skin allergy test stands out. It helps identify the substances that cause the allergic reaction in the patient, being extremely useful in guiding subsequent treatment.

The nasal endoscopy is another exam that can be incorporated, allowing direct visualization of the nasal mucosa and assessing the degree of inflammation. In some cases, blood tests may also be requested to quantify immunoglobulin E levels, an antibody elevated in allergic conditions.

Therefore, it is important to emphasize that, although it is a common condition, one should not self-diagnose allergic rhinitis. Only a doctor is qualified for this task. Always remember: if symptoms arise, seeking professional help is the best course of action.

Effective treatments for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an adversity that affects many people, causing discomfort and difficulty breathing. However, there are effective treatments that can relieve these symptoms and even prevent future attacks.

The first step is medication. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants are the most common. They work by reducing the inflammatory reactions related to the allergy and clearing the nasal passages.

In second instance, we have immunotherapy. This type of treatment involves the controlled use of the allergen in the patient’s body to develop tolerance. It is a long-term process but extremely effective.

But we cannot forget hypnosis. Infusing relaxation thoughts, associating the environment with a calm and serene space can help reduce the discomfort caused by allergic rhinitis.

“Hypnosis creates a state of focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, and can help with a greater capacity to respond to suggestion.” In cases of allergic rhinitis, positive suggestions related to breathing and comfort can make a big difference.

• Medication
• Immunotherapy
• Hypnosis

These treatments are not exclusive but complementary. And it is essential, before starting any of them, to consult a healthcare professional.

Preventing attacks: care with allergens and hygiene

A fundamental element in preventing allergic rhinitis attacks is meticulous care with common allergens, such as pet hair, dust mites, and pollen. Whenever possible, it is advisable to avoid exposure to these allergens. To reduce the presence of dust mites at home, for example, you can use anti-mite mattress covers, keep the house well-ventilated, and regularly clean curtains and carpets.

It is especially important to keep the house clean, as the highest amount of allergens is usually found where we spend most of our time. Simple measures, such as keeping pets out of bedrooms and keeping windows closed during high pollen counts, can make a big difference.

Also, know that smoking, passive smoking, can exacerbate the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Therefore, avoid smoking or being in environments where smoking occurs.

Another prevention tool is regular nasal hygiene with saline solution, which can help relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This simple process helps clean the nose and prevents allergens from remaining in contact with the nasal mucosa for too long.

Maintaining thorough and conscious care of the environment in which you live can be a great ally in preventing the onset of allergic rhinitis attacks.

Conclusion

With this, we have seen that “allergic rhinitis” not only affects individuals’ quality of life but also imposes significant limitations. We examined its causes, symptoms, and different treatment options.

Throughout the article, it was shown how the clinical hypnosis of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis can be used as an effective complement in the treatment of “allergic rhinitis”, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. We also saw the importance of committing to treatment based on scientific and ethical methods.

Now, I ask you: are you interested in learning scientific hypnosis to apply professionally? Do you want to enhance your results in your current profession or even have a new one?

If you answered ‘yes’, I invite you to learn about the evidence-based hypnosis courses and postgraduate programs at the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. Thus, you can help many people deal with the symptoms of “allergic rhinitis” and other conditions, offering real and lasting relief.

Visit this link and start your journey now. After all, I believe that the more health professionals adopt the practice of scientific hypnosis in their therapeutic repertoire, the more people can benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can clinical hypnosis be used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis?

The contributions of hypnosis to health go beyond the mind. In the case of allergic rhinitis, clinical hypnosis can be a complementary tool in treatment, focusing on stress management and reducing anxiety that often accompany the physical symptoms of this condition. It is worth remembering that hypnosis never replaces medical treatment but enhances results when used in an integrated manner.

What is clinical hypnosis and how can it help in the treatment of physical diseases, such as allergic rhinitis?

Clinical hypnosis, based on guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA), is defined as an intentionally induced state of consciousness characterized by focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness, allowing a greater capacity to respond to suggestion. When dealing with physical conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, scientific hypnosis can help control symptoms by allowing the patient to access their self-management capacity.

Is there any contraindication for the use of hypnosis in the treatment of allergic rhinitis?

The use of hypnosis in health always depends on medical evaluation and guidance. Although hypnosis represents a safe and scientifically supported alternative, it cannot replace traditional forms of clinical treatment and should always be used as a complement to the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

Who can perform clinical hypnosis on patients with allergic rhinitis?

In Brazil, hypnosis is performed by a variety of duly certified health professionals, including doctors, psychologists, dentists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and speech therapists. Thus, the professionals capable of performing clinical hypnosis on patients with allergic rhinitis will be those duly qualified and authorized within their respective fields of practice.

What are the expected results of a hypnosis session for allergic rhinitis?

Health issues such as allergic rhinitis, which can be influenced by stress and anxiety, can benefit from clinical hypnosis. Each person is unique, and therefore, results vary, but most patients report a perception of improvement in their symptoms and a greater ability to manage them after hypnosis sessions.