Allergic rhinitis occurs when people breathe in material causing inflammation of the nose that can include pollen, dust or mold. This can also develop when individuals consume something that causes allergy. Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system identifies the allergen material as an intruder and releases chemicals that cause the cold-like symptoms.
Causes
Allergic rhinitis is triggered when individuals are exposed to certain allergen materials. Some of the most common allergens include dust, pollens, animal dander (old skin), cat saliva and mold. Allergic rhinitis develops when the immune system reacts to the allergen materials. This results in the antibodies releasing various chemicals such as histamine that affect the nostrils. As a result, the inside of the nostrils becomes inflamed and produces excess mucus. This appears similar to the cold-like symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose.
Symptoms
Allergic rhinitis can vary with individuals, some experiencing mild symptoms to severe onset. The common signs include a runny nose, problems with smell, watery eyes, sneezing and itchy nose, mouth, eyes or skin. Symptoms that can develop later include a sore throat, coughing, nasal congestion, dark circles around the eyes and headache. While some people may be affected during particular months of the year when pollen are present in the environment, others may experience the symptoms throughout the year. Though the allergic rhinitis can improve over a period of time, it may not completely disappear.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is possible after evaluating the individual’s medical history and the symptoms present. The physician may enquire if symptoms vary with time, season and exposure to certain allergen materials. A physical examination of the inside of the nose may be required to check for any nasal polyps which are swellings within the nose. When the cause of allergic rhinitis in not known the tests may include skin prick test and blood analysis. The skin prick test uses a needle to expose certain allergen materials to the immune system and if the individual is sensitive, an itchy spot occurs. The blood test will detect immunoglobulin E which is produced by the immune system in a reaction to the allergen. In other cases, the complications such as nasal polyps may be detected with a nasal endoscopy.
Treatment
The treatment includes the individuals avoiding exposure to sensitive allergen materials that causes the symptoms. The treatment is based on the severity of the condition and the presence of other medical conditions such as asthma. In most cases, the treatment focuses on relieving the symptoms associated with this condition. The common medication used to treat allergy symptoms includes antihistamines which block the chemical reaction of histamine. Decongestants can help in relieving the congested nose and sinus pressure. Corticosteroids can be used for the frequent forms of allergic rhinitis by reducing the inflammation and the swelling. Immunotherapy is considered for individuals with certain types of allergies such as hay fever. The therapy gradually introduces the allergen into the body for the immune system to identify and adjust to the pollen.
References
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Rhinitis—allergic/Pages/Treatment.aspx
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000813.htm
http://acaai.org/allergies/types/hay-fever-rhinitis
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/rhinitis