Allergic rhinitis is irritation and inflammation in the nose after it comes in touch with allergens. An allergens is anything that causes an abnormal response of the immune system. In allergic rhinitis, the immune system may cause swelling of the inside of the nose, runny or itchy nose, watery eyes, stuffiness, and sneezing. It may be:
An allergic reaction is the overreaction of the immune system to an allergen. When the allergen makes contact with the inside of the nose, it starts a chain of events. Immune cells in the nose release a chemical called histamine. Histamine causes itchiness, swelling, and increases the amount of mucus in the nose.
Site of Histamine ProductionThis area has swelling and increased mucus production after contact with an allergen. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Factors that increase your chance of having allergic rhinitis include:
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Allergic rhinitis is most often diagnosed based on description of symptoms. A referral to an allergy specialist may also be made.
The following tests may also be done:
Avoiding the allergen as much as possible is the best way to treat allergies. Specific steps will depend on the type of allergen, for example:
Reducing dust mite allergens:
Reducing mold contact:
Reducing animal allergens:
Reducing pollen contact: Use news reports or online resources to track pollen levels in you area. If your allergen is high:
General steps that may reduce contact with allergen:
Though reducing allergens can help, it is not possible to completely eliminate all allergens. Other treatments may help reduce the body's reaction to the allergen:
Medications can help to decrease the reaction of the immune system. This will lead to fewer and less severe symptoms like swelling and mucous. These medications may be given alone or in combination. Options include:
These medications are most effective when taken before contact with the allergen. It will also need to be continued as long as the allergen is present.
Other medications that may be added include:
Decongestants may be recommended for severe congestion. Decongestants are not appropriate for everyone and only temporarily relieve some pressure. Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays can actually make symptoms worse.
Immunotherapy uses injections or pills to gradually introduce your body to an allergen. The goal is to make your body's immune system less sensitive to those allergens. For some it may stop allergic rhinitis for others it may help decrease symptoms. It is most often used for those who have a poor response to allergy medications.
The therapy is delivered in small amounts over weeks, months, or even years. Immunotherapy is only available for specific allergens but more may become available after appropriate testing.
The reason that allergic rhinitis develops is not clear, so there are no clear steps to prevent it. Exclusive breastfeeding in the first few months of life may help decrease the risk of allergies later in life.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
http://www.aaaai.org
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
http://www.aafa.org
Allergy Asthma Information Association
http://aaia.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
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Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 3/16/2017