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Perennial & Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens that typically cause nasal and eye symptoms. About one in five Americans suffers from the common condition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Allergic rhinitis can be perennial, causing symptoms year-round, or seasonal. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever.

  1. Causes

    • Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system treats a harmless airborne substance as a harmful substance. The resulting immune reaction involves the release of histamine, which causes allergy symptoms. Common allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis are pollen, mold, dust and pet dander, according to the Mayo Clinic. People with a family history of allergies have a greater risk of developing allergic rhinitis and other allergies.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms may appear similar to the common cold, and include runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, watering eyes, itching, sore throat, fatigue, headache, clogged ears and puffy eyes with dark circles, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Allergic rhinitis typically causes a thin, watery nasal discharge, while a cold may cause thick, yellow discharge. While colds may cause a low-grade fever, allergic rhinitis does not.

    Treatment

    • Allergic rhinitis can often be treated with nasal or oral corticosteroids, antihistamines or decongestants. Cromolyn sodium nasal spray, leukotriene modifiers, and nasal atropine are other medications used to treat allergic rhinitis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Saline nasal rinses and antihistamine or decongestant eye drops can also provide relief. In severe cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be considered.

    Outlook

    • Allergies improve for some people, mainly children, as sensitivity to the allergen decreases over time, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. However, it is common for allergy sufferers to have long-term symptoms.

    Considerations

    • Other conditions, such as asthma and eczema, commonly occur in people with allergic rhinitis. Sinus infections can also develop due to frequent congestion, and children may develop ear infections from bouts of allergic rhinitis.

    Warning

    • Read labels of all medications carefully, and use them as directed. Do not use oral decongestants without your doctor's permission if you have high blood pressure or prostate enlargement, as they can worsen these conditions. Remember that using a decongestant nasal spray for more than three days can worsen congestion.

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