ALLERGIC RHINITIS

Do you suffer from a runny or stuffy nose much of the time? Does your symptoms persist despite using antibiotics and decongestants? Does it occur at a specific time of the day? You may be suffering from allergic rhinitis.           

Allergic rhinitis (also called “hay fever”) happens when you breathe in something ou are allergic to, and the inside of your nose becomes inflamed or swollen. Allergy symptoms are caused when someone is exposed to a certain substance to which they are allergic. These substance are called allergens. They can be indoor such as cat’s hair or dust mites or they can be outdoor such as pollen from trees and grasses. Many people who have allergic rhinitis also have asthma.           

Signs of allergic rhinitis are similar to signs of a common cold. But unlike the symptoms of common colds, allergic rhinitis can occur only at particular times i.e, during certain seasons or weather patterns (hay fever) and around certain animals or small household pets (perennial allergic rhinitis).           

Allergic rhinitis can last for more than 8-10 days and may include the following symptoms:

  • A stuffy nose or a runny nose
  • Recurrent sneezing
  • Itchy nose, itchy eyes or watery eyes
  • Children who have allergic rhinitis might have dark circles under their eyes (“allergic shiners”), or use the palm of their hand to push their nose up as they try to stop the itching ( a behavior called “allergic salute”)
  • Coughing caused by clear mucus running down the back of the throat (postnasal drip)

If your cold-like symptoms (sneezing and runny nose) persist for more than two weeks, it is appropriate to contact a physician. 

Your physician will first obtain an extensive history, including the home environment, possible exposures, and progression symptoms. Family history of atopy or allergic disease and the presence of other disorders such as eczema and asthma strongly support the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. 

The physician will seek a link between the symptoms and exposure to certain allergens. Skin testing by a board-certified allergist is often recommended for someone with recurrent symptoms. 

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms. Treatment often includes:

  • Identifying, controlling and treating the substances that make your symptoms worse
  • Using and understanding medications

If your allergies bother you a lot and you cannot avoid the things you are allergic to, you and your doctor can decide if you should get allergy shots (immunotherapy) to help control your symptoms.