What is allergic rhinitis? Symptoms, causes, and how to manage it
Allergic rhinitis is an immune response of the nasal mucosa to allergens, causing sneezing, nasal obstruction, and watery discharge. It can be seasonal or perennial, influenced by genetics. Symptoms include itching, eye watering, and frequent colds. Diagnosis may involve blood tests, nasal smear, or skin prick tests, with avoidance of allergens as primary management
What is Allergic Rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is the response of the mucosa of your nose to allergens present in the air. It is often characterised by a runny nose, obstruction in the nose and sneezing. Allergic rhinitis may either be seasonal (present in a particular time of the year, say, when pollen of a particular plant are present) or perennial. (Image: Canva)
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Types of Allergens There can be multiple types of allergens, which may potentially irritate the nasal mucosa causing an immunologic response. Seasonal allergens include pollen from trees and grasses and weeds. Perennial allergens are present throughout the year, like mould and dust mites. (Image: Canva)
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Individual Allergen Responses Different people may have different allergens that cause a response. While some may be allergic to cockroaches and dander from animals, others may show sneezing episodes in the presence of dust mites that are found in beddings, mattresses and pillows, and sometimes even carpets. (Image: Canva)
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Role of Genetics Genes do a play role in the development of allergic rhinitis. If either parent has this condition, the child has a 20% chance of being allergic to something. However, if both parents have such allergies, the child may develop it in 47% of the cases. A positive family history is hence a predisposing factor. (Image: Canva)
Phases of Allergic Rhinitis There are two phases of rhinitis, an acute or early phase and a late or delayed phase. In the acute phase, the allergic response occurs immediately, within half an hour, once the susceptible individual is exposed to a specific allergen in the environment. (Image: Canva)
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Early and Late Responses In the late or delayed phase, the response occurs after two to eight hours, and the inflammatory cells of the body cause swelling, congestion and thick secretions. If the event is repeated (next exposure to allergen), the body produces symptoms of both the acute and late phase. (Image: Canva)
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Who Does It Affects? There does not exist any gender or age predilection, anyone may have allergic rhinitis. The main symptom of a nasal allergy is paroxysmal sneezing. The affected individual begins sneezing ten to twenty times, along with the presence of watery nasal discharge. (Image: Canva)
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Typical Symptoms In some cases, there may also be itching in the nose, and the eyes may begin watering too. Itching in the palate and pharynx is not uncommon. In case of a perennial allergy, the symptoms may not be as severe. The person may experience frequent colds and a stuffy nose. (Image: Canva)
Diagnosis Some investigations may be advised to confirm this condition, like a total and differential count (blood test). A nasal smear may show a large number of eosinophils (cells responsible for allergic responses) and a skin prick test may aid in demonstrating the allergen. (Image: Canva)
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Prevention Tips Avoiding the allergen is of utmost importance and is the most successful method. For example, wearing a mask if your pet’s dander is causing the allergy, encasing pillows with plastic sheets and sometimes, a change of place may be recommended if the symptoms persist. (Image: Canva) Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
