Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by allergens, which are usually harmless substances but trigger an allergic reaction in some people.

People with rhinitis are prone to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion and sinus pressure. Rhinitis can contribute to other problems such as asthma, sinus or ear conditions or trouble sleeping.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, is typically caused by outdoor allergens such as pollen from trees, grasses and weeds.

Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs year-round. It is usually triggered by allergens such as pets or dust mites.

Some people with rhinitis symptoms don’t suffer from allergies. The symptoms may be similar, but the causes are different. Strong odors, pollution, smoke and other irritants may cause symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. Medications and other chronic health conditions can also contribute to non-allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Allergic Rhinitis

If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system mistakenly identifies a typically harmless substance as an intruder. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system responds to the allergen by releasing histamine and chemical mediators that typically cause symptoms in the nose, throat, eyes, ears, skin and roof of the mouth.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is most often caused by pollen carried in the air during different times of the year in different parts of the country.

Allergic rhinitis can also be triggered by common indoor allergens such as the dried skin flakes, urine and saliva found on pet dander, mold, droppings from dust mites and cockroach particles. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis, as symptoms typically occur year-round.

In addition to allergen triggers, symptoms may also occur from irritants such as smoke and strong odors, or to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air. This happens because allergic rhinitis causes inflammation in the nasal lining, which increases sensitivity to inhalants.

Many people with allergic rhinitis are prone to allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy). In addition, allergic rhinitis can make symptoms of asthma worse for people who suffer from both conditions.

Nonallergic Rhinitis

At least one out of three people with rhinitis symptoms do not have allergies. Nonallergic rhinitis usually afflicts adults and causes year-round symptoms, especially runny nose and nasal congestion. This condition differs from allergic rhinitis because the immune system is not involved.

Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis symptoms include:

•    Itching in the nose, roof of the mouth, throat, eyes

•    Sneezing

•    Stuffy nose (congestion)

•    Runny nose

•    Tearing eyes

•    Dark circles under the eyes

Hay fever symptoms tend to flare up in the spring and fall. Perennial allergic rhinitis symptoms are year-long.

Diagnosis

An allergist / immnologist has specialized training and experience to diagnose specific allergens that trigger your illness, or to determine if your symptoms are non-allergic. Your allergist will take a thorough health history followed by allergy testing. Skin tests or blood tests are the most common methods for determining your allergic rhinitis triggers.