Part UT Health San Antonio
UT Health San AntonioUT Health San Antonio

UTSA Part of UT Health San Antonio

Contact Us | 210-450-9000

Menu
  • Find a Provider
  • Services
  • Cancer Types
  • Locations
  • Patient Care
  • Cancer Center
  • MyChart
  • X
  • Conditions
  • Conditions In-depth
  • Procedures
  • Wellness Centers
  • Natural & Alternative
  • Drug Info
  • Procedure Animations
  • Wellness Videos
Symptom CheckerQuick Nav
 
Health Library Home>Conditions InDepth>Article

Conditions InDepth: Allergic Rhinitis

by Michael Jubinville, MPH
Main Page
Risk Factors
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Screening
Reducing Your Risk
Talking to Your Doctor
Resource Guide

Allergic rhinitis is irritation and swelling in the nose. It is caused by an overreaction of the immune system. An allergen, something that should be harmless, is inhaled through the nose. The allergen triggers mast cells to release histamine. This leads to swelling of blood vessels and tissue that lines the nose and sinuses. This starts a chain of events that cause:

  • Runny or itchy nose
  • Watery, itchy, or red eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing

The most common allergens come from grasses, trees, weeds, or animals.

Allergic Rhinitis With Severe Swelling of the Nasal Tissues

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Types of Allergic Rhinitis

There are 2 types:

  • Seasonal—Happens mainly in the spring, summer, or early fall. Causes are from grasses, trees, weeds, or mold spores in the air.
  • Perennial—Happens year-round. Common causes are dust mites, cockroaches, animal dander, or mold spores. Food allergies may also cause this type of allergic rhinitis.

Problems Linked to Allergic Rhinitis

Allergies are mild but annoying in most. It can cause or worsen:

  • Asthma
  • Ear infections
  • Sinus pain or infection
  • Sore throats
  • Irritability
  • Feeling tired
  • Dark circles under the eyes
  • Headache
  • Pink eye
What are the risk factors for allergic rhinitis?
What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?
What are the treatments for allergic rhinitis?
Are there screening tests for allergic rhinitis?
How can I reduce my risk of allergic rhinitis?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Where can I get more information about allergic rhinitis?
REFERENCES:

Allergic rhinitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/allergic-rhinitis. Updated July 9, 2018. Accessed February 14, 2020.

Allergic rhinitis treatment. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website. Available at: https://www.aafa.org/allergy-treatments/. Updated March 2018. Accessed February 14, 2020.

Allergy shots. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/allergy-shots-(immunotherapy). Accessed February 14, 2020.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD  Last Updated: 10/27/2020

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

Copyright ©  EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy
Physicians and care providers of
UT Health San Antonio

8300 Floyd Curl Dr.

San Antonio, TX 78229

210-450-9000

Connect with us
  • Patient Rights and Responsibilities
  • Language Assistance
We make lives better ©

We're a part of UT Health San Antonio, provider of comprehensive health,  dental, &  cancer care,  advanced academics  and  life-saving research.

Web Privacy | Links from websites affiliated with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio's website (uthscsa.edu) to other websites do not constitute or imply university endorsement of those sites, their content, or products and services associated with those sites. The content on this website is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Health information on this site is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat conditions. Consult a health care provider if you are in need of treatment.