Rhinitis

Also known as: Allergic Rhinitis, hay fever
What is it?
Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes. Allergic rhinitis is rhinitis caused by allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen, dust, animal dander, or molds. The substances that cause allergic reactions are called allergens. Allergic rhinitis can be a seasonal or year-round (perennial) condition. The same person can have both types.
Who gets it?
Allergic rhinitis is an extremely common type of allergy that can affect anyone, and develop at any age. Allergies are not inherited, but it has been found that if a family member has a sensitivity to a certain substance, other family members are more likely to have the same or similar sensitivity.
What causes it?
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, while called hay fever, is actually caused by airborne pollens from grasses and trees. Dust mites, mold spores, animal dander, and feathers commonly cause perennial allergic rhinitis. However, other causes can include perfumes, chemicals, cigarette smoke, cleansers, and cosmetics. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system produces antibodies and other disease fighting cells in response to an allergen. The antibodies release chemicals that actually injure the surrounding cells and cause the physical symptoms of an allergic reaction. Certain antibodies release histamines, which affect the skin and mucous membranes. This is why an allergic person experiences swelling, redness, itching, and runny nose.
What are the symptoms?
Allergic rhinitis affects the nose, causing sneezing, a clear discharge, and itching. The eyes may also be red, watery, and itchy. The throat may become irritated from nasal drip and coughing. Swelling in the sinuses causes congestion. Some patients with allergic rhinitis have headaches and feel tired because their symptoms make sleep difficult. Symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis occur in the spring, summer, and early fall and flare up after spending time outside. Symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis flare up indoors.
How is it diagnosed?
If you have cold symptoms that last longer than a week, you doctor will test for a bacterial infection by studying a sample of your nasal discharge, called a nasal smear. He or she will also examine your nose for any abnormalities that could be causing your symptoms. If other possible causes are ruled out, your doctor may perform further tests for allergies, or refer you to a specialist called an allergist. A diagnosis of allergic rhinitis can usually be made without further tests if rhinitis symptoms come and go with the seasons. Tests for allergies include blood and skin tests, and nasal smears. Another type of test, called a provocation test, involves exposing the patient to very small amounts of possible allergens, either through swallowing or inhaling, to see if there is an allergic response.
What is the treatment?
If you have allergic rhinitis, your doctor will recommend that you avoid the substances that are known allergens for you. When rhinitis is seasonal or involves substances that are hard to avoid, medication can be prescribed to relieve symptoms. The most commonly used drugs are antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroid sprays, and cromolyn nasal sprays. Immunotherapy is a type of desensitizing treatment in which a series of injections of a known allergen are given in increasingly larger doses until the body shows that it can be tolerated. An allergy specialist must administer this type of program and it may take a long period of time to develop an immunity. These injections are followed by periodic booster shots. There are many alternative treatments for allergic responses, most of which involve diet and lifestyle. Your doctor can discuss these with you and help you determine whether any are right for you.
Self-care tips
If you have allergic rhinitis, there are ways to reduce your exposure to allergens. For example, use an air conditioner and air purifier during the seasons when pollen levels are high. Keep your house as free of dust as possible by damp mopping and using a vacuum cleaner with a special filter designed to trap fine particles. Avoid contact with animals, or keep your pets bathed and well groomed.