About
Allergic Rhinitis (AR) may be defined as inflammation of the nasal airways. It is a collection of symptoms, mostly in the nose and eyes and occurs when one breathes in allergens.
Allergic Rhinitis (AR) arises due to the hypersensitivity of the body’s immune system to environmental triggers. Allergens are substances that evoke allergy in a susceptible person. When this person breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, the body releases chemicals like histamine. This leads to itching, swelling, and mucus production.

Allergens like seasonal pollens and moulds are responsible for seasonal AR (SAR). Rhinitis that does not have a clearly defined seasonal association is termed perennial AR (PAR). PAR is caused by indoor allergens like house dust mites and animal proteins. Dust mites and cats produce the most important indoor allergens.
Common causes of hay fever include:
- Trees (deciduous and evergreen)
- Grass
- Ragweed
Hot dry windy air carries large amounts of pollen and can cause hay fever.
Common causes for Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR) include:
- Indoor fungi
- Animal dander, the most important being cat’s. Dander from rodents, rabbits, dogs, and birds could also cause rhinitis
- Dust mites
- Other insects (esp. cockroach, gypsy moths, crickets, ladybugs, spiders, and beetles)
Allergies may be associated with disorders like eczema and asthma. Genes and environment makes one prone to AR. Susceptibility to develop allergies runs in families. If both parents have allergies, you are prone to have allergies. If your mother has allergies, chances of AF are even greater.
Symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and runny nose. Diagnosis is usually based on a person's history of symptoms. A family history can usually be elicited.
Blood tests and skin tests help to diagnose the condition and detect the allergen. Completely avoiding allergens is not practically possible though it is the only perfect solution.
Nasal corticosteroid sprays and antihistamine medications are often used to treat allergic rhinitis.
References:
- Cecil Medicine, 23rd Ed.
- The Merck Manual, 18th Ed.
Latest Publications and Research on Allergic Rhinitis
- Recurrent bilateral eyelid and conjunctival granulomatosis in Churg-Strauss syndrome. - Published by PubMed
- (-)-Asarinin inhibits mast cells activation as a Src family kinase inhibitor. - Published by PubMed
- Ocular Symptoms Improvement from Intranasal Triamcinolone compared with Placebo and Intranasal Fluticasone Propionate: a meta-analysis. - Published by PubMed
- Clinical Factors Associated with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis. - Published by PubMed
- Novel tobacco products including electronic cigarette and heated tobacco products increase risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma in adolescents: Analysis of Korean youth survey. - Published by PubMed
Citations
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APA
Dr. Nithin Jayan. (2014, June 03). Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - Prevention - Videos. Medindia. Retrieved on May 27, 2022 from https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/allergic-rhinitis.htm.
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MLA
Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - Prevention - Videos". Medindia. May 27, 2022. <https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/allergic-rhinitis.htm>.
Chicago
Dr. Nithin Jayan. "Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - Prevention - Videos". Medindia. https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/allergic-rhinitis.htm. (accessed May 27, 2022).
Harvard
Dr. Nithin Jayan. 2021. Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - Prevention - Videos. Medindia, viewed May 27, 2022, https://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/allergic-rhinitis.htm.
Fantastic Article... Kudos !!