Allergic Rhinitis

The sun is shining, the grass is green and you want to enjoy the first beautiful day of spring. You step outside and take a deep breath of the fresh clean air and then it happens. An annoying itching sensation begins to creep up your nose, your eyes begin to water and a sneezing frenzy ensues. You are the newest victim of allergic rhinitis, and spring is its favorite time to strike.

Sneezing, an itchy, runny or congested nose and postnasal drip are all part of allergic rhinitis. It is caused by small particles in the air called allergens. The allergens cause a reaction in the nasal passages that cause the congestion and other symptoms. Up to 30% of adults have allergic rhinitis and the risk is increased if they also have asthma or eczema. It peaks in childhood and in the 30s and 40s.

Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or occur year round. There are several triggers of seasonal allergic rhinitis including tree, grass and weed pollens. Indoor causes are behind year-round symptoms, and they include dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mold and fungi.

Some symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, nasal itching, post-nasal drip, red itchy eyes, sore throat, hoarseness, popping of the ears, mouth breathing and fatigue. A number of individuals will develop dark, bluish rings below the eyes called allergic shiners.

Diagnosis is based on the clinical symptoms mentioned above and a physical examination by a health care provider. On physical examination the lining of the nasal passageways will appear pale and swollen, and the back of the throat may demonstrate cobblestoning, which is the result of post-nasal drip.

Comprehensive treatment of allergic rhinitis must combine reduction of environmental triggers and medication therapy. Stopping exposure to animal dander is an example of controlling environmental triggers. Animals should be kept out of bedrooms at a minimum and may need to be removed from the home. Also, removal of carpets and drapes, washing bed sheets weekly and regular vacuuming and dusting could diminish the contact with dust mites.

Nasal steroids are typically the first medication choice and can dramatically reduce the nasal mucosal inflammation. Antihistamines are used to relieve sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Antihistamines and nasal steroids are often used together to control most of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Other medications include nasal antihistamine sprays, decongestants, cromolyn sodium and immunotherapy, otherwise known as allergy shots.

There are many treatment options to explore with your health care provider and for more information please visit the Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Online at http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/rhin.htm.