Dr Arathi Karat

Allergic rhinitis increases the risk of developing asthma because both conditions involve airway inflammation. 40 percent of patients with allergic rhinitis also develop asthma. 

Yes, adenoidectomy is a common and safe procedure performed under general anesthesia, with minimal recovery time. 

Surgery (adenoidectomy) is recommended when airway obstruction, recurrent infections, or sleep disturbances occur despite medical treatment. 

Dr. Arathi uses nasal endoscopy or X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. 

Symptoms include nasal congestion, snoring, mouth breathing, sleep disturbances, and frequent ear infections. 

Adenoid hypertrophy is the enlargement of the adenoids (lymphatic tissue at the back of the nose), commonly due to recurrent infections or allergies. 

Immunotherapy gradually exposes the body to allergens in small doses to build tolerance and reduce symptoms over time. It can be given as allergy shots (SCIT) or sublingual drops (SLIT). 

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction of the nose to substances like dust mites, pollen, pet dander etc. leading to sneezing, runny nose, itching and/or nose block. Unlike a cold, it is not caused by a virus and usually does not involve a fever or body aches. 

Common allergens include dust mites, pollen, mold and pet dander. Symptoms can also be triggered by smoke, dust, aerosols and strong odours. 

Dr. Arathi diagnoses allergic rhinitis through a detailed medical history, physical examination, and allergy tests like skin prick testing. 

While allergic rhinitis cannot always be permanently cured, it can be effectively managed with avoidance measures, medications, and immunotherapy.