Allergic rhinitis occurs when allergens in the air specifically irritate the inside of the nose and throat. Allergens are particles that often cause the release of a chemical called histamine. Common allergens include pollen, dust, pet hair, and pollution. We’re exposed to pollen and dust every day and they are not like viruses or bacteria in that they cannot cause a dangerous infection. However, the release of histamine occurs when the body thinks a harmless allergen like pollen is trying to seriously hurt the body.
Allergic rhinitis often resembles the common cold. Unlike the common cold, allergic rhinitis cannot be passed from person to person. It is also known as hay fever, although hay is not the only thing that causes allergic rhinitis and it does not cause a fever. Allergic rhinitis is very common, affecting anywhere from 10% to 30% of the global population.
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
Allergic rhinitis can happen year round, but many people see flare-ups during warmer weather.
Allergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system’s response to an irritant inhaled through the nose or mouth. There are many common allergens that trigger an immune response, including dust mites, pet dander, mould, pollen from trees, grass, and other plants, and bugs like cockroaches.
Risk factors for allergic rhinitis include a medical history of asthma or eczema or having family members with allergic rhinitis.
In order to make a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, your doctor will use a combination of medical history, current symptoms, a physical exam, and lab work. Other conditions, such as a cold, will be considered when making a diagnosis. Your doctor may have lab work done to see if the amount of histamines you’re producing is higher than normal. They may also suggest having a skin prick test done by an allergist.
A skin prick test is not painful, but it can be uncomfortable for a little while. The allergist performing the test will put tiny samples of different allergens on your skin and then prick the area, allowing the allergen to get under the surface of your skin. Within 30 minutes at most, you will have an obvious reaction if you are allergic to a certain allergen. Skin prick tests are an accurate way to determine what allergens may be causing your allergic rhinitis.
Complications of allergic rhinitis include trouble sleeping, sleepiness during the day, trouble concentrating, and mood changes due to lack of good sleep. Symptoms of asthma can also be aggravated by allergic rhinitis. If untreated, allergic rhinitis can lead to ear infections, nasal polyps, and sinusitis.
There are several medication options for treating allergic rhinitis. These include medications that block histamines and medications to relieve congestion and stop inflammation. These medication types are all available in a pharmacy without a prescription. More advanced medication options include leukotriene inhibitors and allergy shots.
Leukotrienes are molecules that promote the immune response to allergens. Leukotriene inhibitors prevent them from acting. Allergy shots introduce the allergen you are having a reaction to into your body in small amounts. This helps your body learn to tolerate allergens without having an allergic reaction.
Your doctor can recommend the best option for your situation. While there is no way to prevent allergic rhinitis, there are measures you can take to decrease the chances of having an onset. Keeping hands away from your face, windows closed during warmer months, using mattress covers, washing hands often, and keeping pets off of furniture are easy ways to lower how often you experience symptoms of allergic rhinitis.