Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Filed Under Allergy Attack, Allergy Symptoms, Allergy Prevention

Allergic rhinitis is a very common disorder. It affects over 20% of the American population. It refers to an inflammation of the nasal passages. Main symptoms include water nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis usually show up on sufferers who are particularly sensitive to dust, dander, or certain seasonal pollens.

Characteristic symptoms include repetitive sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, ears, nose or throat, runny nose, and general fatigue. Symptoms may also include wheezing, tearing of eyes, sore throat, and an impaired sense of smell. It is possible to also experience a chronic cough, but should not be mistaken for asthma. Sinus headaches and plugging of the ears are also commonly suffered.

Although sufferers tend to show symptoms before the age of 30; in reality, they can appear at any age. Allergic rhinitis can cause much loss in productivity and downtime. Sufferers may experience symptoms so severe that they can be kept from school or work. The cost in physician services and medications for treatment can easily run into millions of dollars.

Many perennial and seasonal allergens cause allergic rhinitis. Dust mites, molds, and animal dander are examples of year round allergens. Tree, grass, and ragweed pollens are primarily seasonal outdoor allergens. Seasonal pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination.
Findings are that plants that depend on insect pollination, such as goldenrod and dandelions, do not usually cause allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis symptoms tend to develop more in early spring, late summer and early fall. This is the time when mold spores grow in warm, damp environments. However, do note that mold spores can also be measured indoors year round.

Another potential source of problems come from animal allergens. Most animal allergens are secreted through the sebaceous glands of the animal’s skin.

To be diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, your doctor first need to do a physical exam. Classic signs of allergic rhinitis include swelling of the eyelids, dark circles around the eyes, and extra skin folds in the lower eyelids. Skin testing may be required to confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. An intra-dermal testing is made if results of prick method testing return negative.

Mostly, the treatment of allergic rhinitis center around reducing its symptoms. The best bet is avoidance of the allergen or minimization of exposure. Medications may be used such as antihistamines and decongestants but they are best used not excessively.

Early childhood exposure to common household microbes, environmental bacteria, and fermented foods may help to reduce a child’s risk of developing allergies as they get older. Childhood exposure to pets, especially during the first year of life when the immune system is still developing, has been associated with a decreased risk of allergies to pet dander.

Healthy eating habits and exercise can further strengthen the immune system and help avoid unwanted allergic reactions.