Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by allergens such as pollen, house dust, loose soil and, of course, animal hair. Allergic rhinitis often causes cold-like symptoms: these include sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. These symptoms usually start soon after you're exposed to an allergen. Some people only get allergic rhinitis for a few months at a time. This is because they're sensitive to seasonal allergens, such as tree or grass pollen. Other people get allergic rhinitis all year round.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system reacts to an allergen as if it's harmful. The immune system is your body's natural defence against illness and infection. If your immune system is oversensitive, it reacts to the allergens as to viruses and infections. Common allergens that cause allergic rhinitis include pollen, house dust mites and, of course, animals.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis often causes cold-like symptoms: these include sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. These symptoms usually start soon after you're exposed to an allergen.

Symptoms typical for allergic rhinitis:

Swelling of the mucous membrane (the inner lining of the nasal cavity), blocks the airway and causes stuffiness.

Excessive mucus production - manifested by nasal congestion, causes sneezing and rhinorrhea.

Some people only suffer from allergic rhinitis for a few months because they are sensitive to seasonal allergens, such as tree or grass pollen, which are produced at certain times of the year. Some people suffer from allergic rhinitis year-round because they are sensitive to non-seasonal allergens such as animal fur. Most people are characterized by mild symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which can be treated relatively easily and effectively. In some people, it is more severe, causes drowsiness, and affects daily life.

If your symptoms are mild, you should be able to treat them on your own:

Use non-sedating antihistamines and decongestants to relieve nasal congestion and rhinorrhea.

Nasal irrigation - regularly irrigate the nasal passages with saline solution to protect them from irritants;

Consult your doctor if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life. You may be prescribed a stronger medication, such as a nasal spray containing corticosteroids.

Complications

Common allergens

Breathing in tiny particles of allergens can trigger allergic rhinitis. Common airborne allergens that cause rhinitis are described below:

House dust mites

House dust mites are tiny insects that feed on the dead flakes of human skin. They can live in mattresses, carpets, soft furniture, pillows and beds. Rhinitis is not caused by the dust mites themselves but by a chemical found in their poo. Dust mites are around all year round, but their numbers are higher in the winter.

Tree and grass dust

Tiny particles of pollen produced by trees and grasses can sometimes cause allergic rhinitis. Most trees pollinate from early to mid-spring. Grasses pollinate at the end of spring and the beginning of summer.

Animals

Many people are allergic to animals, such as cats and dogs. Animal fur does not cause an allergic reaction. It's the flakes of dead animal skin and their urine and saliva. Dogs and cats are the most common animals to cause allergies. But some people are affected by horses, cattle, rabbits and rodents, such as guinea pigs and hamsters.

Allergens in the workplace

Some people are affected by allergens found in the workplace. These can include wood dust, flour dust or latex..

Complications of allergic rhinitis

The two main complications of allergic rhinitis are nasal polyps and sinusitis.

Nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are swellings that grow in the small cavities above and behind your nose and in the lining inside your nose or sinuses. They're caused by inflammation of the membranes of the nose. They sometimes develop as a result of rhinitis.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a common complication of rhinitis. It's where the sinuses become inflamed or infected. The sinuses produce mucus, which usually drains into your nose through small channels. Rhinitis or nasal polyps can block these channels. The mucus cannot drain away and may become infected. Sinusitis is the most common problem with rhinitis because excess mucus or nasal polyps can block drainage from the sinuses.

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is directly diagnosed based on symptoms and medical history. Your personal doctor may examine the inside of your nose to check for nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are fleshy swellings that grow from the lining of your nose or sinuses. The swelling that happens as a result of allergic rhinitis can cause nasal polyps. If the exact cause of allergic rhinitis is uncertain, your personal doctor may refer you for allergy testing.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

Treatment for allergic rhinitis depends on your symptoms and how they affect your life. Identifying and preventing allergens is the first step in managing this condition. However, it is not always easy.

If you have mild allergic rhinitis, you can often treat the symptoms yourself.

You can treat the symptoms of mild allergic rhinitis with over-the-counter medicines. These include long-acting non-sedating antihistamines.

Nasal irrigation - rinse your nasal passages with saline solution regularly to protect them from irritants. Consult your doctor if your symptoms are affecting your quality of life. You may be prescribed a stronger medication, such as a nasal spray containing corticosteroids.