Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis
Colorized pollen grains from a variety of common plants.
Synonyms	Hay fever, pollinosis
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion
Complications	Sinusitis, asthma, otitis media
Onset	Often in childhood or adolescence
Duration	Long-term, with seasonal or perennial variations
Types	N/A
Causes	Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold
Risks	Family history, atopy, environmental exposure
Diagnosis	Medical history, skin prick test, specific IgE blood test
Differential diagnosis	Common cold, vasomotor rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis
Prevention	Avoidance of known allergens, air filtration
Treatment	Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, allergen immunotherapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Affects 10-30% of the global population
Deaths	Rarely life-threatening

Diagram illustrating the symptoms of 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:

• Skin prick test
• Blood test for specific IgE antibodies
• Epicutaneous test

Treatment

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

• Antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Nasal corticosteroids
• Allergen immunotherapy

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

• Asthma
• Sinusitis
• Eczema
• Anaphylaxis