Allergic Rhinitis: Everything You Need to Know

Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever is an allergic reaction that affects the upper respiratory passage. As of 2016, about 20-30% of the Indian population has been affected by allergic rhinitis, with the count going up to about 62% in Asia. Like other allergies, rhinitis occurs in response to certain triggers called allergens when they are breathed in. This article shall concisely tell you everything you need to know about this very common condition.

Types:
Allergic Rhinitis may be of two types- the seasonal allergy in which allergic reactions occur at a particular time of the year, in response to the triggering factors that increase in abundance at that time, and the perennial allergy whose trigger factors are present around the year.

Symptoms:
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis appear suddenly and violently. These include:

1. Runny, stuffy, itchy nose
2. Violent and multiple sneezing and coughing
3. Sore throat
4. Itchy and watery eyes with dark circles sometimes
5. Headaches, fatigue, and weakness
6. Hive breakout and blisters

One or more of these symptoms may occur simultaneously during rhinitis. In seasonal allergy, symptoms may appear at certain times of the year, while they may appear at any time in the case of perennial allergy. Fever does not occur usually.

Causes:
Rhinitis symptoms occur when an allergic reaction is triggered by histamine secreted by the body in response to one or more of the following allergens:

1. Pollen from trees and grasses
2. Dust and dust mites
3. Dead skin cells of animals
4. Cat hair and saliva
5. Mold

Seasonal allergies are mostly caused due to pollens from trees in spring and from grasses through summer and fall.

Diagnosis:
Allergic Rhinitis is usually diagnosed by its symptoms. Sometimes a skin prick test is performed to determine the exact substance causing the reaction. A Radioallergosorbent test or RAST is performed to measure the extent of reaction to an allergen.

Risk Factors:
Allergic rhinitis occurs due to an abnormality in the immune response of the body and can affect anybody. However, certain risk factors greatly increase your chances of having an allergy. These include:

1. A family history of allergic rhinitis
2. Smoking
3. Air pollution
4. Humidity
5. Sudden temperature changes
6. Chemical fumes
7. Hairspray
8. Perfumes and deodorants
9. High wind

Treatment:
Allergic rhinitis has no permanent cure. Only the symptoms can be effectively managed by one or more of the following:

1. Eye drops
2. Decongestants and nasal sprays
3. Antihistamines
4. Immunotherapy and Sublingual Immunotherapy
5. Alternative medicines
6. Home remedies

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!