Allergic Rhinitis

What is Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the mucous membrane inside the nose. It causes sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and the feeling of mucus going down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).

Allergic rhinitis can be mild to severe.

There are two types of allergic rhinitis:

  • Seasonal. This type is also called hay fever. It happens only during certain seasons.
  • Perennial. This type can happen at any time of the year.

What are the causes?

This condition happens when the body’s defense system (immune system) responds to certain harmless substances called allergens as though they were germs.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by pollen, which can come from grasses, trees, and weeds. Perennial allergic rhinitis may be caused by:

  • House dust mites.
  • Pet dander.
  • Mold spores.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

  • Sneezing.
  • Runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion).
  • Postnasal drip.
  • Itchy nose.
  • Tearing of the eyes.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Daytime sleepiness.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

  • Your medical history.
  • A physical exam.
  • Tests to check for related conditions, such as:
    • Asthma.
    • Pink eye.
    • Ear infection.
    • Upper respiratory infection.
  • Tests to find out which allergens trigger your symptoms. These may include skin or blood tests.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition, but treatment can help control symptoms. Treatment may include:

  • Taking medicines that block allergy symptoms, such as antihistamines. Medicine may be given as a shot, nasal spray, or pill.
  • Avoiding the allergen.
  • Desensitization. This treatment involves getting ongoing shots until your body becomes less sensitive to the allergen. This treatment may be done if other treatments do not help.
  • If taking medicine and avoiding the allergen does not work, new, stronger medicines may be prescribed.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Find out what you are allergic to. Common allergens include smoke, dust, and pollen.
  • Avoid the things you are allergic to. These are some things you can do to help avoid allergens:
    • Replace carpet with wood, tile, or vinyl flooring. Carpet can trap dander and dust.
    • Do notsmoke. Do notallow smoking in your home.
    • Change your heating and air conditioning filter at least once a month.
    • During allergy season:
      • Keep windows closed as much as possible.
      • Plan outdoor activities when pollen counts are lowest. This is usually during the evening hours.
      • When coming indoors, change clothing and shower before sitting on furniture or bedding.
  • Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You have a fever.
  • You develop a persistent cough.
  • You make whistling sounds when you breathe (you wheeze).
  • Your symptoms interfere with your normal daily activities.

Get help right away if:

  • You have shortness of breath.

Summary

  • This condition can be managed by taking medicines as directed and avoiding allergens.
  • Contact your health care provider if you develop a persistent cough or fever.
  • During allergy season, keep windows closed as much as possible.
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