Author : Dr Aniketh V R, MBBS, MS, Senior Resident, Department of ENT & HNS, BGS Medical College & Hospital
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the inside of the nose. It’s caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mold, or flakes of skin from certain animals.
What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an atopic disease presenting with symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, clear rhinorrhea, and nasal pruritis. It is an IgE-mediated immune response that is against inhaled antigens in the immediate phase, with a subsequent leukotriene-mediated late phase.
It affects one in six individuals and is associated with significant morbidity, loss of productivity, and healthcare costs.
What causes Allergic Rhinitis ?
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction.
The allergic response is classified into early and late-phase reactions.
Common allergies include:
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Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
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House dust mites
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Animals such as dogs and cats
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Mould
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Wood dust, flour dust and latex
How to check if it’s Allergic Rhinitis ?
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold and include:
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sneezing
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an itchy nose
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a runny or blocked nose
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itchy, red and watery eyes
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a cough
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the roof of mouth being itchy
This usually happens within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to.
What are the types of Allergic Rhinitis?
The two types of allergic rhinitis are seasonal and perennial.
· Seasonal allergies usually occur during the spring and fall season and are typically in response to outdoor allergens like pollen.
· Perennial allergies can occur year round, or at any time during the year in response to indoor substances, like dust mites and pet dander.
What are the risk factors for Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergies are inherited, which means you’re more likely to have hay fever if you have a parent or immediate family member with allergies. People who have Asthma or Eczema are also more likely to develop hay fever.
Some external factors can trigger or worsen this condition, including:
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Cigarette smoke
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Chemicals
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Cold temperatures
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Humidity
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Wind
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Air pollution
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Hairspray
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Perfumes
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Colognes
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Wood smoke
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Fumes
How to diagnose Allergic Rhinitis?
A thorough history and physical examination are the cornerstones of establishing the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Allergy testing is also important for confirming that underlying allergies cause the rhinitis. These tests, known as IgE RAST tests, can measure the levels of allergy-related substances. Skin prick test is the most common method of allergy testing.
An allergy blood test checks your blood for increased levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
There are two general types of allergy blood tests:
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A total IgE test is used to measure the total amount of IgE antibodies in your blood.
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A specific IgE test measures how much IgE your body makes in response to a single allergen.
What are the common triggers to be avoided for Allergic Rhinitis ?
How do we treat Allergic Rhinitis?
Immunotherapy is a therapeutic method in which the allergen for which the patient is sensitized is gradually and with an incremental dose administered resulting in the alleviation of clinical symptoms and reduced disease severity while preventing disease progression.
