Rhinitis
Also known as: Allergic Rhinitis, hay
fever
What is it?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes.
Allergic rhinitis is rhinitis
caused by allergies to airborne substances, such as
pollen, dust, animal dander, or molds. The substances that
cause allergic reactions are called allergens. Allergic
rhinitis can be a seasonal or year-round (perennial)
condition. The same person can have both types.
Who gets it?
Allergic rhinitis is an extremely common type of
allergy that can affect anyone, and develop at any age.
Allergies are not inherited, but it has been found that if
a family member has a sensitivity to a certain substance,
other family members are more likely to have the same or
similar sensitivity.
What causes it?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, while called hay fever, is
actually caused by airborne pollens from grasses and
trees. Dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, and
feathers commonly cause perennial allergic rhinitis.
However, other causes can include perfumes, chemicals,
cigarette smoke, cleansers, and cosmetics. An allergic
reaction occurs when the immune system produces antibodies
and other disease fighting cells in response to an
allergen. The antibodies release chemicals that actually
injure the surrounding cells and cause the physical
symptoms of an allergic reaction. Certain antibodies
release histamines, which affect the skin and mucous
membranes. This is why an allergic person experiences
swelling, redness, itching, and runny nose.
What are the symptoms?
Allergic rhinitis affects the nose, causing sneezing, a
clear discharge, and itching. The eyes may also be red,
watery, and itchy. The throat may become irritated from
nasal drip and coughing. Swelling in the sinuses causes
congestion. Some patients with allergic rhinitis have
headaches and feel tired because their symptoms make sleep
difficult. Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis occur in
the spring, summer, and early fall and flare up after
spending time outside. Symptoms of perennial allergic
rhinitis flare up indoors.
How is it diagnosed?
If you have cold symptoms that last longer than a week,
you doctor will test for a bacterial infection by studying
a sample of your nasal discharge, called a nasal smear. He
or she will also examine your nose for any abnormalities
that could be causing your symptoms. If other possible
causes are ruled out, your doctor may perform further
tests for allergies, or refer you to a specialist called
an allergist. A diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can usually
be made without further tests if rhinitis symptoms come
and go with the seasons. Tests for allergies include blood
and skin tests, and nasal smears. Another type of test,
called a provocation test, involves exposing the patient
to very small amounts of possible allergens, either
through swallowing or inhaling, to see if there is an
allergic response.
What is the treatment?
If you have allergic rhinitis, your doctor will
recommend that you avoid the substances that are known
allergens for you. When rhinitis is seasonal or involves
substances that are hard to avoid, medication can be
prescribed to relieve symptoms. The most commonly used
drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroid
sprays, and cromolyn nasal sprays. Immunotherapy is a type
of desensitizing treatment in which a series of injections
of a known allergen are given in increasingly larger doses
until the body shows that it can be tolerated. An allergy
specialist must administer this type of program and it may
take a long period of time to develop an immunity. These
injections are followed by periodic booster shots. There
are many alternative treatments for allergic responses,
most of which involve diet and lifestyle. Your doctor can
discuss these with you and help you determine whether any
are right for you.
Self-care tips
If you have allergic rhinitis, there are ways to reduce
your exposure to allergens. For example, use an air
conditioner and air purifier during the seasons when
pollen levels are high. Keep your house as free of dust as
possible by damp mopping and using a vacuum cleaner with a
special filter designed to trap fine particles. Avoid
contact with animals, or keep your pets bathed and well
groomed.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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