Understanding Allergic Rhinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What is it?

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is the tendency to develop upper respiratory tract symptoms (rhinitis) in response to exposure to Inhaled environmental allergens. An allergen is a particle that can trigger a response of the immune system. Common Allergan’s are pollen, dust mites and fur or feathers shed by animals. In allergic rhinitis, the immune system found in the tissues of the nose, sinuses and eyes responds excessively to inhaled allergens. In response, these tissues become inflamed and congested, causing symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal (Intermittent) or perennial (Persistent). Allergic rhinitis is more common at a young age but can appear at any age. There is a link between allergic rhinitis and asthma, and people with one condition have a tendency to develop the other as well.

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Additional names

This group contains additional names:
- Hay Fever
- Spasmodic rhinorrhea
- Dust mite allergy
- Allergic Rhinitis due to Food
- Allergic Rhinitis due to Animal (Cat, Dog) Hair and Dander
- Rhinitis due to Pollen

Signs & symptoms

Typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis are runny nose, feeling congested, sneezing, itching in the nose, throat and eyes, red eyes and earache. Symptoms persist as long as there is exposure to the allergen, and can last for weeks to months. Unlike common cold, there is no fever in allergic rhinitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis requires an examination by a doctor, who will ask about the symptoms and perform a physical examination. A skin prick test is usually performed to identify the allergen that causes the allergic rhinitis. In this test, which is done by an allergy specialist, typical allergens are injected under the skin and the skin reaction to them is tested.

Treatment

The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis symptoms is to avoid exposure to allergens that trigger the reaction. Treatment of allergic rhinitis includes nose rinses and sprays, decongestants, steroids and anti-allergy medications (such as Antihistamines). These medications help reduce the intensity of the allergic reaction and the symptoms it causes.

☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.

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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:

National Institution of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ University of Illinois hospital