What is Allergic Rhinitis and how do you know you have it?

  Rhinitis is inflammation of the mucous lining of the nose. Allergic Rhinitis is caused by allergens. Allergic Rhinitis affects more than 40 million people in the United States alone, and even more with people who have occasional symptoms.   There are two types of Allergic Rhinitis:

• One is Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever.
• The other is Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.

Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis or Hay Fever

People who have Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis, also known as Intermittent Allergic Rhinitis, are allergic to pollen or mould and only get their symptoms during certain times during the year. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Symptoms:

• Runny nose. Happens soon after breathing in the allergen.
• Postnasal drip. It can feel like a tickle in your throat which you’ll cough to clear up.
• Repetitive sneezing. Happens almost immediately after you breath in the allergen.
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes, nose, ears, and itchy throat
• Nasal congestion
• The most common symptom for children is a stuffy nose.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

People who have Perennial Allergic Rhinitis, also known as Persistent Allergic Rhinitis, have allergies to dust mites or pets. Their symptoms last for most of the year. and can be extremely frustrating for sufferers. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis’ symptoms can be more severe and can have the symptoms of those who have chronic sinusitis, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, and vasomotor rhinitis. The symptoms are usually throughout the entire year. They are usually runny or watery nose, nasal blockage, and decreased sense of smell. The symptoms that may take longer to develop are:

• Eyes sensitive to light.
• Loss of energy.
• Loss of sleep.
• Feeling grumpy or moody.
• Pressure in the ear.
• Discomfort in the face.

Our immune system fights off bacteria and viruses in our bodies. An allergic reaction happens when our immune system fights off normal things that enter our system. Just like when our immune system fights off viruses, we get the symptoms of a cold, like coughing. Some people, when they breath in pollen or mould, their immune systems attack it and cause symptoms. Hayfever symptoms in general, may include the following:

• itchy eyes
• watery, red eyes
• stuffy nose
• runny nose
• itchy throat
• itchy ear canal
• sneezing

The symptoms may get worse at certain times, but the good news is that the allergens may affect you less as you grow older. Try to stay away from substances that may irritate you in the air, like pollution, fumes, cigarette or wood smoke, insecticides, or perfume, which may make your symptoms worse. If you have asthma or sinusitis, allergic rhinitis can make these worse. If you’re pregnant, your symptoms may get worse but don’t worry, instead, you should discuss this with your doctor because some medicines are better for you and your baby than others. It is well worth doing some research to discover today’s many treatments for Allergic Rhinitis. There are natural, herbal, alternative and medicinal treatments that are possible. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is advisable to go and see your doctor for a professional hay fever diagnosis.   The below comments were posted prior to the website being rebuilt in July 2017: #1 2010-11-06 19:16