Allergic rhinitis is when your nasal passages get inflamed because your immune system overreacts to things like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites floating in the air. When pollen is the culprit, it’s also known as hay fever or seasonal allergies. This can be annoying with symptoms like sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, watery or red eyes, and an itchy nose, mouth, or eyes.
Over 400 million people around the world deal with allergic rhinitis. Thankfully, there are treatments, such as over-the-counter and prescription medications and allergen immunotherapy, that can help manage these symptoms and make daily life more comfortable.
There are two main types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal and perennial. The type you have depends on how often you experience the symptoms and how long they last. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, happens during specific times of the year, especially when pollen counts are high. This usually affects people in spring and fall, mainly because of pollen from grasses, weeds, and trees. Despite the name “hay fever,” it doesn’t specifically relate to hay or cause a fever. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often just called seasonal allergies too.
On the other hand, perennial allergic rhinitis is more of a year-round issue. It’s called “perennial” because the symptoms persist throughout the year. People with allergies to things like dust mites, pet dander, cockroach debris, and mold spores typically experience this type.
When you’re allergic to something and come into contact with it, your body reacts almost immediately with symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, or watery eyes. If you don’t address these symptoms, they can lead to even more issues over time.
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system goes overboard reacting to what are usually harmless substances such as pollen or dust mites. When exposed, the body releases histamine and other chemicals, causing your nose to become inflamed and produce extra mucus, leading to those uncomfortable symptoms.
Several common things can trigger allergic rhinitis, including various types of pollen, dust, and pet dander. Additionally, certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing this condition.
When you visit a healthcare professional for allergic rhinitis symptoms, they’ll probably start by taking your medical history and asking about your symptoms. They’ll likely perform a physical examination and may suggest allergy tests to pinpoint what’s causing your problems.
The most frequent allergy test is a skin prick or scratch test. This involves poking small amounts of potential allergens into your skin to see if there’s a reaction. If you’re allergic, you’ll likely get an itchy bump where the allergen was introduced.
There’s also an option for an allergy blood test, like an ImmunoCAP test, which measures immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in your blood. High levels could indicate an allergic disorder such as allergic rhinitis.
The goal with treating allergic rhinitis is to manage your symptoms effectively so that they’re less bothersome and improve your quality life. Your healthcare provider will tailor a plan based on whether your allergies are seasonal or year-round and how severe your symptoms are.
A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medicines can help you manage symptoms of allergic rhinitis. If these medications don’t work, allergen immunotherapy might be a long-term solution. This involves gradually exposing your body to increasing quantities of allergens to build tolerance and lessen symptoms. Immunotherapy can be given through allergy shots or sublingual tablets placed under the tongue.
Allergy shots consist of regular injections containing diluted allergens to help your body adjust to them. Over time, you may find your symptoms improve, requiring fewer injections. Sublingual tablets, effective for allergens like grass or ragweed pollen and dust mites, involve dissolving a tablet under your tongue daily before allergy season starts, and can be taken for up to three years.
Self-care is also key in managing allergic rhinitis. You might try nasal washes with saline to clean out your nasal passages, or follow other measures like avoiding allergens. This could mean keeping windows closed on high-pollen days, washing hands after touching pets, or using allergen-proof bedding.
While you can’t totally prevent allergic rhinitis, avoiding known allergens when possible and taking certain steps can help minimize symptoms. People with allergic rhinitis are at higher risk for certain other conditions with similar inflammatory processes, which can affect wellbeing and ability to carry on with daily activities. Many report disrupted sleep, fatigue, and headaches.
The upside is that with the right treatments and lifestyle adjustments, these symptoms can be effectively managed. If you feel your treatments aren’t working as they used to, consult with a healthcare provider to explore options that can help you ease your allergies and enjoy life more fully.
