What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic response that affects the nasal passages.
It occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. When these allergens are inhaled, the body releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to inflammation of the nasal passages, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and a runny nose.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can vary in severity and may include:
Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Nasal congestion
Postnasal drip
Fatigue
Coughing
Sore throat
These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, affecting their ability to concentrate, sleep, and perform daily activities.
Causes of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an immune system response to allergens. When a person with allergic rhinitis comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases chemicals such as histamines to defend against it. These chemicals trigger the symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis.
Common allergens that can trigger allergic rhinitis include:
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust mites
Pet dander
Mold spores
Cockroach droppings
Diagnosis and treatment
To diagnose allergic rhinitis, a healthcare provider will review the patient’s medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may recommend allergy testing. Allergy testing can help identify specific allergens that trigger symptoms.
Treatment for allergic rhinitis typically involves a combination of allergen avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.
Allergen avoidance: Avoiding exposure to allergens is the first line of defense against allergic rhinitis. This may include using air purifiers, keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, and regularly cleaning bedding to reduce exposure to dust mites.
Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis. These may include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, and nasal sprays.
Allergy immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (under-the-tongue tablets) may be recommended for individuals with severe allergic rhinitis who do not respond to other treatments. These therapies work by gradually desensitizing the immune system to specific allergens, reducing the severity of allergic reactions over time.
In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle modifications such as regularly washing hands, avoiding tobacco smoke, and keeping indoor environments clean can also help manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis is a common allergic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for allergic rhinitis is essential for effectively managing this condition and improving quality of life for individuals affected by it. By working closely with healthcare providers and taking steps to avoid allergen exposure, many people with allergic rhinitis can successfully manage their symptoms and lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
