Allergic Rhinitis

An allergen is an otherwise harmless substance that causes an allergic reaction. Allergic Rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to specific allergens.

Pollen is the most common allergen in seasonal Allergic Rhinitis. These are allergy symptoms that occur with the change of seasons.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis:

Common symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis include:

Sneezing

A runny nose

A stuffy nose

An itchy nose

Coughing

A sore or scratchy throat

Itchy eyes

Watery eyes

Dark circles under the eyes

Frequent headaches

Eczema-type symptoms, such as having extremely dry, itchy skin that can blister and weep

Hives

Excessive fatigue

You’ll usually feel one or more of these symptoms immediately after coming into contact with an allergen.

Some symptoms, such as recurrent headaches and fatigue, may only happen after long-term exposure to allergens. Fever isn’t a symptom of hay fever.

What causes Allergic Rhinitis?:

When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine, which is a natural chemical that defends your body from the allergen.

This chemical can cause Allergic Rhinitis and its symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

In addition to tree pollen, other common Allergens include:

Grass pollen

Dust mites

Animal dander, which is old skin

Cat saliva

Mold

Types of Allergic Rhinitis:

Seasonal : Seasonal allergies usually occur during the spring and fall season and are typically in response to outdoor allergens like pollen.

Perennial : Perennial allergies can occur year round, or at any time during the year in response to indoor substances, like dust mites and pet dander.

Risk factors for Allergic Rhinitis:

Allergies can affect anyone, but you’re more likely to develop Allergic Rhinitis if there is a history of allergies in your family. Having asthma or atopic eczema can also increase your risk of Allergic Rhinitis.

Some external factors can trigger or worsen this condition, including:

Cigarette smoke

Chemicals

Cold temperatures

Humidity

Wind

Air pollution

Hairspray

Perfumes

Colognes

Wood smoke

Fumes

Complications of Allergic Rhinitis:

Unfortunately, Allergic Rhinitis itself can’t be prevented. Treatment and management are keys to achieving a good quality of life with allergies.

Inability to sleep from symptoms keeping you up at night

Development or worsening of asthma symptoms

Frequent ear infections

Sinusitis or frequent sinus infections

Absences from school or work because of reduced productivity

Frequent headaches

Complications can also arise from antihistamine side effects. Most commonly, drowsiness can occur. Other side effects include headache, anxiety, and insomnia.