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The "allergic flu" is a popular term used, often, to describe the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which appears mainly with the arrival of winter.
During this season of the year it is more common to have crowds of people indoors, favoring the spread of the flu virus. However, the cold and dry winter weather also favors the dispersion of allergens in the air, facilitating the appearance of allergies. So what can often look like the flu or a virus can actually be a type of allergy, such as rhinitis.
As the symptoms of flu and rhinitis are very similar, it is common for them to be confused, however, the flu is caused by viruses, as rhinitis has an allergic cause, requiring different treatment.When symptoms of an "allergic flu" appear, the ideal is to seek an allergist doctor or general practitioner to identify the cause and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of "allergic flu" are very similar to those of rhinitis and include:
- Itchy eyes and nose;
- Throat irritation;
- Watery eyes;
- Nasal obstruction
- Sneezing.
Usually, these symptoms appear immediately and not gradually, for example, shortly after contact with a plant or dust inhalation.
How to differentiate flu from allergic rhinitis
Unlike allergic rhinitis, which is characterized by symptoms more localized in the face region, the flu can cause more generalized symptoms such as fever, general malaise and body pain.
In addition, flu symptoms tend to last 7 to 10 days, while rhinitis symptoms can last as long as there is exposure to a certain allergen in the air.
Possible causes
"Allergic flu" can usually be caused by:
- Climate changes;
- Strong odors (perfumes, cleaning products, cigarette smoke);
- Household dust mites;
- Fungi;
- Pollen.
Although various substances present in the environment can cause allergies, the origin of the "allergic flu" is individual and should always be evaluated by an allergist doctor.
How the treatment is done
Since the term "allergic flu" is almost always used to refer to a situation of allergic rhinitis, the treatment aims to relieve the allergy that is causing the symptoms. For this, medications such as corticosteroids, antiallergic agents and nasal decongestants can be recommended by the doctor.
In addition, it may also be necessary to follow some important precautions, such as:
- Leave home environments always well ventilated and sunny
- Clean preferably with a damp cloth
- Avoid strong smelling products, such as cleaning products, paints, perfumes and insecticides
- Avoid contact with cigarette smoke.
In cases where there has been no improvement with the medications and for those who cannot avoid contact with the allergen, the vaccine is an option. It is indicated if the skin or blood test proves the allergen. In this treatment, injections or sublingual drops are applied in controlled quantities so that the body stops having an exaggerated reaction to the substance responsible for the allergy.
Home remedies options
Some teas, like eucalyptus, are good alternatives to treat "allergic flu", as they facilitate the discharge of nasal secretions, relieving symptoms.
Check out other home remedies to relieve the symptoms of "allergic flu".
How to prevent "allergic flu" attacks
"Allergic flu" attacks can be mitigated with some measures in the environment in which you live:
- Avoid carpets, rugs, stuffed animals and clothes with little use, to avoid the accumulation of dust;
- Change bed linen weekly;
- Keep the airy and ventilated environment with open windows whenever possible;
- Avoid contact with pets if they are found to be the cause of symptoms.
It is important to note that symptoms can often be prevented by avoiding contact with known allergens. This is, in fact, the only way that has been effectively proven against "allergic flu" attacks. Therefore, identifying the cause of the crises is essential.
Created by: Tua Saúde Editorial Team
Bibliography>
- RUBINI, Norma de P.M. et al. Practical guide on environmental control for patients with allergic rhinitis. Arq Asma Alerg Immunol. Vol.1, n.1. 7-22, 2017
- FOMIN; Angela B. F. et. al .. Nasofibroscopy for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis disorders in children and adolescents. Brazilian Journal of Allergy and Immunopathology. 24. 6; 220-228, 2001
- IAPO'S PEDIATRIC OTORHINOLARYNGOLOGY MANUAL. Specific immunotherapy with allergens in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Available in: . Accessed on 20 Mar 2020