Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances, such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be bothersome and may interfere with daily activities, but they can usually be managed with proper treatment.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens. When the body comes into contact with an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites, it produces antibodies that trigger the release of histamines. Histamines cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages, leading to allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Common allergens that can trigger allergic rhinitis include:
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Animal dander, such as from cats, dogs, and rodents
- Cockroach particles
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy nose, eyes, and throat
- Watery eyes
- Congestion
- Postnasal drip
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Loss of smell and taste
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are usually seasonal, and people allergic to pollen may experience symptoms during the spring and fall. However, some people may have year-round symptoms due to exposure to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, and animal dander.
Diagnosing Allergic Rhinitis
Your doctor will perform a physical exam to diagnose allergic rhinitis and ask about your symptoms. They may also perform allergy tests, such as a skin prick or blood test, to determine the specific allergens causing your symptoms.
Skin prick tests involve placing a small amount of allergen on your skin and then pricking the skin to allow the allergen to enter. If you are allergic to the allergen, you will develop a small, itchy bump on your skin. Blood tests measure the levels of antibodies in your blood that are produced in response to specific allergens.
Treating Allergic Rhinitis
The treatment of allergic rhinitis depends on the severity of your symptoms and the allergens that are causing your symptoms. Treatment options include:
Avoiding allergens: The best way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. For example, if you are allergic to pollen, stay indoors when the pollen count is high and use air conditioning to filter the air.
Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal corticosteroids are commonly used to treat the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Antihistamines block the release of histamines and relieve itching, sneezing, and runny nose. Decongestants reduce nasal congestion by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages. Nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, can effectively treat people with allergic rhinitis. It involves receiving injections of small amounts of allergens over some time to desensitize your immune system to the allergens.