Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common allergy caused by pollen or other allergens in the air. This condition, although it rarely causes severe medical problems, can cause significant discomfort, particularly in the event of nasal drip.
Pathology
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an overactive immune system, according to the American Association of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Patients with allergies have an immune system that interprets certain chemicals, known as allergens, as dangerous invaders. This is mediated by special proteins called IgE antibodies. When an IgE antibody binds to an allergen, it triggers a cascade of chemical signals that stimulates more immune cells to accumulate, which in turn secrete chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling. The inflammation and swelling is responsible for the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Rhinitis Allergens
A variety of compounds can cause allergic rhinitis. Pollen is a common allergen and, depending on the climate in which a person lives, can cause allergic rhinitis in the summer, autumn or spring. The exact timing of seasonal allergies depends on the time of the year when certain grasses, trees or weeds release pollen. People can also be allergic to dander from pets, dust mites and some molds.
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
Some symptoms or allergic rhinitis occur shortly after exposure to an allergen, according to Medline Plus, a medical information resource established by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. One of the most prominent symptoms is itching, which can occur around the mouth, throat, eyes or nose. The senses of smell and taste might also be impaired because of inflammation, closing the nasal passages. Patients suffering from allergic rhinitis can also have frequent episodes of sneezing and a runny nose. In some cases, allergic rhinitis can also affect the eyes, causing tearing.
Allergic Rhinitis and Coughing
One of the symptoms that can be slower to develop as a result of allergic rhinitis is coughing. When allergic rhinitis strikes the nasal passages, it causes an increase in mucus production as a result of the chemical signals produced by inflammation. Because the back of the nose is connected to the throat, some of this mucus will drip down and can gain access to the lungs. The accumulation of mucus stimulates the cough reflex, leading to a cough, which is often wet because coughing pushes mucus up into the throat. When the allergic rhinitis is cleared up, the cough will subside shortly thereafter.
Treatment
Allergic rhinitis can be treated with several methods, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology. The simplest treatment method is the avoidance of allergens, if the cause of the allergic reaction can be determined. Nasal saline washes, antihistamines and inhaled corticosteroids can all be used to ease the symptoms of the allergy. Immunotherapy might also be considered for patients with severe allergic rhinitis. Immunotherapy, which involves a series of injections of diluted allergen under the patient's skin, works by gradually desensitizing the immune system to the allergen, which suppresses the allergic reaction.
