Q: I have a query regarding my running nose. I have this problem since a long time but now its has become severe. I always have a running nose and I am very sensitive to dust and have dust allergy also hence keep sneezing. Right now I am residing in Uganda. When I was in India I had this problem and I was advised to get the absolute eosinophil count and haemogram tests done. When the results came, the doctor pointed out one of the items as important in it which is AEC - 870/ul (the reference range 40 - 440/ul). The report read- Peripheral smear : RBC : normocytic normochromic; WBC : mild leukocytosis with mild eosinophilia present, platelets: adequate on the smear and no haemoparasities. I wanted to know is my cold and running nose related to those results above? Please advise me some medication if you can as I have lost my earlier prescription.

A:Chronic nasal symptoms may be due to a number of causes, which are often inflammatory in origin and include allergies, non-allergic causes (eg, infection), or pathophysiologic or structural problems. Rhinitis is the term used to describe inflammatory disease that involves the nasal lining. It is characterized by nasal discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing, and postnasal drip. An accurate diagnosis is imperative for successful treatment as the treatment is directed towards the underlying cause. Allergies cause a watery, clear discharge and sneezing, accompanied by nasal and palatal itching or eye symptoms. Seasonal timing suggests specific pollen sensitivity. A perennial allergic rhinitis may be due to pets, dust mites, molds, cockroaches and is often less obvious. Avoiding exacerbating factors is the most effective treatment measure if the trigger can be identified. Oral histamine (H1) receptor antagonists are usually the first-line therapy as these drugs are highly effective in reducing itching, sneezing, and rhinorrhea. They work best when given before the onset of symptoms. Second-generation antihistamines are preferred as the earlier drugs were poorly tolerated because of their side effects of sedation and performance impairment. Commonly used ones include fexofenadine hydrochloride, loratadine and cetirizine hydrochloride. Topical (intranasal) aqueous preparations of corticosteroids are more potent but if used regularly, periodic examinations by a doctor is required to detect nasal septal ulceration or perforation.