Know all about allergic rhinitis

In common parlance, allergic rhinitis is better known as nasal allergy or pollinosis. It is also called hay fever, if it occurs in the haying season.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis become apparent in the eyes and the nose. It sets in after being exposed to airborne particles like pollens, dander and dust.

An acutely sensitive immune system, which otherwise acts as the natural shield against disease-causing germs, is the best breeding ground for allergic rhinitis. Sometimes, the sensitivity is so strong that even harmless allergens cause violent reactions in the body.

Allergy to pollen is the primary cause behind the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. Pollens are amorphous substances produced by the male reproductive organ of a flower. The scientific name given to the pollen-producing part of the flower is known as the anther. Allergic rhinitis is akin to allergic reactions in the sense the former can be triggered by allergies to mold, dust, animal dander and inhaled allergens.

Pollen-producing and allegedly allergic rhinitis causing plants are evergreen and deciduous trees, flowering plants, ragweed and various types of grass.

Identification of allergic rhinitis

Symptoms indicative of allergic rhinitis are:

  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion (what is better known as blocked nose)
  • Sore throat
  • Coughing
  • Itching in the skin, nose, mouth, throat, eyes and other areas in the body
  • Wheezing
  • Reduced smell sensation
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Teary eyes


How to treat allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, like most allergies, can be treated but cannot be cured.

Medical treatment available or prescribed for allergic rhinitis only help to reduce the allergy caused by inflammation in the infected or affected tissues.

Doctors repeat the old saying as advice - prevention is better than cure. But say you have already contracted it, what then? Several drugs can be helpful at this point.

Antihistamines are the most common over-the-counter drugs that are available without prescriptions at drugstores. Such medicines, however, provide relief only when symptoms are mild or moderate. However, antihistamines are known to induce drowsiness and therefore, are a strict no-no while driving.

Antihistamines like cetirizine and fexofenadine are meant for prolonged action. These do not usually cause drowsiness.

Nasal sprays are most commonly used for allergic rhinitis. Harmless and effective that they are, they help relieving patients whose allergic reactions are not controlled by antihistamines.

Decongestants, mostly used for cough, are also be used for treating allergic rhinitis.

Preventing allergic rhinitis
If you are prone to allergic rhinitis you should stay inside air-conditioned rooms or indoors particularly during the pollinating or hay season. Spring is one season when pollinating trees spread pollen into the air. Flowers and grasses spread pollen during summer and there are many others that do so with the beginning of autumn.