Allergic rhinitis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:19, 12 February 2025

Allergic rhinitis

Epicutaneous test, a method used to diagnose allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mold, or flakes of skin from certain animals. It is a common condition that affects many people worldwide.

Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:

Sneezing
Itchy nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Postnasal drip
Cough
Fatigue

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be seasonal or perennial, depending on the type of allergen involved.

Causes

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by an immune system response to an allergen. Common allergens include:

Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust mites
Animal dander
Mold spores

When a person with allergic rhinitis inhales an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals, leading to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is typically based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing. Common diagnostic methods include:

Treatment

Treatment for allergic rhinitis aims to relieve symptoms and may include:

Avoidance of known allergens is also a key strategy in managing allergic rhinitis.

Prevention

Preventive measures for allergic rhinitis include:

Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons
Using air filters
Regular cleaning to reduce dust and mold
Avoiding exposure to pets if allergic

Related pages

Gallery

Colorized image of pollen
Diagram of allergic rhinitis symptoms
Epicutaneous test

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-Allergic rhinitis, colloquially known as hay fever, is a type of [[Inflammation|inflammatory]] response that occurs in the nasal passages and conjunctiva (the white of the eyes). This condition is primarily driven by an allergic response and leads to a variety of symptoms including sneezing, rhinorrhea (runny nose), and ocular discomfort.
+Allergic rhinitis
-=== Etiology and Pathophysiology ===
+[[File:Misc pollen colorized.jpg|thumb|Colorized image of pollen, a common allergen causing allergic rhinitis.]]
+[[File:Blausen 0015 AllergicRhinitis.png|thumb|Diagram illustrating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.]]
+[[File:Epikutanni-test.jpg|thumb|Epicutaneous test, a method used to diagnose allergic rhinitis.]]
-Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to airborne substances, known as [[Allergen|allergens]]. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, and animal dander. When these allergens are inhaled, they stimulate the immune system of susceptible individuals to produce [[Immunoglobulin E|IgE antibodies]]. Upon subsequent exposure, these antibodies bind to the allergens, triggering a cascade of immune responses that result in the release of histamines and other inflammatory substances from mast cells and basophils in the nasal and ocular tissues.
+'''Allergic rhinitis''' is an [[inflammation]] of the inside of the [[nose]] caused by an [[allergen]], such as [[pollen]], [[dust]], [[mold]], or [[flakes of skin]] from certain animals. It is a common condition that affects many people worldwide.
-=== Clinical Presentation and Symptoms ===
+==Signs and symptoms==
+The symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
+* [[Sneezing]]
+* [[Itchy]] nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth
+* [[Runny nose]]
+* [[Nasal congestion]]
+* [[Postnasal drip]]
+* [[Cough]]
+* [[Fatigue]]
-The primary symptoms of allergic rhinitis include frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. It may also cause postnasal drip, which can lead to coughing, throat irritation, and a decreased sense of taste and smell.
+These symptoms can vary in severity and may be seasonal or perennial, depending on the type of allergen involved.
-Allergic rhinitis is often associated with other allergic conditions such as [[Asthma]], [[Atopic Dermatitis]], and [[Conjunctivitis]]. The severity of symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and may be influenced by the level of allergen exposure and individual sensitivity.
+==Causes==
+Allergic rhinitis is triggered by an [[immune system]] response to an allergen. Common allergens include:
+* [[Pollen]] from trees, grasses, and weeds
+* [[Dust mites]]
+* [[Animal dander]]
+* [[Mold spores]]
-=== Diagnosis ===
+When a person with allergic rhinitis inhales an allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases [[histamine]] and other chemicals, leading to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
-Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is typically based on the patient's history, physical examination, and response to therapy. Skin testing or allergen-specific IgE blood tests may be used to identify the specific allergens causing the symptoms.
+==Diagnosis==
+Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is typically based on a combination of medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing. Common diagnostic methods include:
+* [[Skin prick test]]
+* [[Blood test]] for specific [[IgE antibodies]]
+* [[Epicutaneous test]]
-=== Treatment ===
+==Treatment==
+Treatment for allergic rhinitis aims to relieve symptoms and may include:
+* [[Antihistamines]]
+* [[Decongestants]]
+* [[Nasal corticosteroids]]
+* [[Allergen immunotherapy]]
-Treatment strategies for allergic rhinitis aim to reduce symptoms by avoiding allergens, using pharmacological therapies, or undergoing immunotherapy. Pharmacological treatments include antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroid nasal sprays, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. Immunotherapy, such as allergy shots or sublingual tablets, may be an option for individuals with severe symptoms or those who do not respond to other treatments.
+Avoidance of known allergens is also a key strategy in managing allergic rhinitis.
-== See Also ==
+==Prevention==
+Preventive measures for allergic rhinitis include:
+* Keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons
+* Using air filters
+* Regular cleaning to reduce dust and mold
+* Avoiding exposure to pets if allergic
-* [[Allergy]]
+==Related pages==
-* [[Immunoglobulin E]]
+* [[Asthma]]
-* [[Histamine]]
+* [[Sinusitis]]
-== References ==
+* [[Eczema]]
-{{Reflist}}
+* [[Anaphylaxis]]
+==Gallery==
+<gallery>
+File:Misc pollen colorized.jpg|Colorized image of pollen
+File:Blausen 0015 AllergicRhinitis.png|Diagram of allergic rhinitis symptoms
+File:Epikutanni-test.jpg|Epicutaneous test
+</gallery>
 [[Category:Allergology]]
-[[Category:Respiratory system diseases]]
+[[Category:Respiratory diseases]]
-[[Category:Immunology]]
+[[Category:Immune system disorders]]
-[[Category:Otorhinolaryngology]]
-{{ent}}
-{{stub}}