Viktor Radcliff asked:


There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)- when symptoms are experienced only during spring and/or summer, and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) – when symptoms are experienced all year round.

The allergens that most commonly cause perennial allergic rhinitis are house dust, dust mites, cockroaches, cat or dog dander, and fungi or molds.

Industrial dust,fumes and chemicals can cause an occupation-related allergic rhinitis.

There is often a family predisposition to developing perennial allergic rhinitis and other allergies.

The symptoms of perennial rhinitis are described as like those of a permanent cold: blocked stuffy nose,constant sore throats and postnasal drip,headaches,loss of taste and smell.People with allergic rhinitis, particularly those with perennial allergic rhinitis, may experience sleep disorders and daytime fatigue.Some people with perennial allergic rhinitis show poorer psychological functioning than non-allergic people.

Symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis always flare up indoors.

The only way to prevent perennial allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes it.For perennial allergic rhinitis caused by dust and dust mite, this means using dust mite covers for pillows and mattresses,cleaning floors and walls with a damp mop, and using an air purifier.For perennial allergic rhinitis caused by animal dander,keeping pets out of the bedroom, and off furniture, rugs and other dander-catching surfaces and having pets bathed and groomed frequently is the best solution.

Although perennial allergic rhinitis resembles the seasonal rhinitis in some ways, there are important differences in treatment options : perennial symptoms stem from allergens being inhaled deep into the lungs, so many medications that are effective in treating hay fever symptoms will be less effective.

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays have become the main recommended treatment in perennial allergic rhinitis,especially in patients with moderate or severe PAR.Decongestant sprays and tablets will help relieve a stuffy, blocked nose with catarrh.However,they should be used for short periods only.Anti-histamine medication may help, but it is far less effective than for hay fever.

Allergy testing is very important so you can identify the exact indoor allergen that causes the allergy.

Juliet Cohen asked:

Nonallergic rhinitis is a syndrome resulting from nasal inflammation that encompasses several distinct diagnoses. Nonallergic rhinitis may be diagnosed by means of clinical evaluation or by means of allergen skin testing or radioallergosorbent testing. This type of rhinitis is not as well understood. Although not triggered by allergy, the symptoms are often the same as seen with allergic rhinitis. The symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to those of hay fever (allergic rhinitis), but no allergy is involved. Nonallergic rhinitis affects approximately 17 million people in the U.S.- both children and adults. The distinction between allergic and nonallergic rhinitis can be difficult to distinguish clinically, but the distinction may be important for prognosis and treatment decisions. Many symptoms of nonallergic rhinitis are similar to allergic rhinitis, but are more chronic, occurring year-round, and are often worse in winter. Irritants such as fumes, fresh newsprint, strong odors, smoke and various types of dust may bring on symptoms. A diagnosis of nonallergic rhinitis is made after an allergy cause is ruled out. This often requires allergy skin or blood tests. A physical examination, allergy testing and a CT scan of the nose and sinuses are often used to assess and diagnose the condition of nonallergic rhinitis.

Causes of Nonallergic rhinitis

The common causes and risk factor’s of Nonallergic rhinitis include the following:

Blood vessels in your nose expanding (dilating), filling the nasal lining with blood and fluid.

Inflammation of the lining of the nose.

Smoke and other irritants.

Temperature or atmospheric changes.

Alcohol.

Psychological and Emotional factors.

Prolonged use of decongestant nasal drops or sprays.

Exposure to irritants.

Symptoms of Nonallergic rhinitis

Some sign and symptoms related to Nonallergic rhinitis are as follows:

Stuffy nose.

Congestion.

Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip).

Sneezing.

Postnasal drainage.

Itchy nose, throat, eyes, and ears.

Treatment of Nonallergic rhinitis

Here is list of the methods for treating Nonallergic rhinitis:

Use an over-the-counter nasal saline spray or homemade saltwater solution to flush the nose of irritants and help thin the mucus and soothe the membranes in your nose.

Antihistamines help to reduce the effects of histamine, which can decrease the symptoms of itching, sneezing, or runny nose.

Turbinate reduction is also used.

If your symptoms aren’t easily controlled by decongestants or antihistamines, your doctor may suggest a prescription corticosteroid nasal spray, such as budesonide (Rhinocort), fluticasone (Flonase), mometasone (Nasonex) or triamcinolone (Nasacort).

Pseudoephedrine-containing drugs (Sudafed, Actifed, others) and phenylephrine.

Surgery has a limited role.

Charlene J. Nuble asked:


Allergic rhinitis is often also called nasal allergy, pollinosis or hay fever, especially when it occurs during the haying season.

Allergic rhinitis is the occurrence of several symptoms, usually in the eyes and in the nose, after exposure to particles that may be airborne like plant pollens, dander and most especially, dust.

An oversensitive immune system is usually cited for the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. Take note that the immune system is your shield against harmful and ailment-causing viruses and bacteria. In some people, immune systems react violently to substances or allergens that are not generally harmful or disease-causing.

The most common and primary cause of allergic rhinitis is allergy to pollen. Pollens are very fine and powder-like substances produced by seed plants’ anthers. Allergic rhinitis can be similar to allergic reactions exhibited in some people by allergies to animal dander, inhaled allergens, mold and dust.

Some of the plants that usually produce pollens that cause reported cases of allergic rhinitis are deciduous and evergreen trees, flowering plants, ragweed and grasses.

Identifying allergic rhinitis

The most common manifestations or symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

o Nasal congestion or what you call stuffy nose

o Wheezing

o Sore throat

o Sneezing

o Teary eyes

o Runny nose

o Smell impairment

o Headache

o Coughing

o Itching in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, skin or any other areas in the body

How to treat allergic rhinitis

Remember, most allergies are treatable but not curable. Allergic rhinitis is not an exception.

Treatments or medications available or prescribed for allergic rhinitis only reduce symptoms of allergy caused by inflammation in the infected or affected tissues.

Doctors advise that the best treatment would be prevention, but if you happen to already have it, several medications may be of help.

Antihistamines are usually over-the-counter or do not require prescriptions when you buy them in drugstores. Such medicines, however, are only recommended to relieve mild symptoms or moderate symptoms. Take note that antihistamines may cause drowsiness and should not be taken when driving.

There are antihistamines that are specifically described longer-acting. Included in this category are cetirizine and fexofenadine. These types of antihistamines will unlikely cause drowsiness.

Nasal sprays are the most common form of medications taken for allergic rhinitis. They are safe and effective especially for patients whose symptoms are not reduced by antihistamines.

Decongestants are not exclusive for cough. They can also be used to treat allergic rhinitis.

In taking medications, it is important to first seek a doctor’s recommendation and prescription even if some medicines are non-prescription to ensure health and safety. Proper administration and timing is also important. No one wants to get an overdose right?

Preventing allergic rhinitis

Prevention is better than treatment, as always. To prevent the onset of allergic rhinitis, people with history should try to remain indoors or inside air-conditioned rooms especially during the pollination or hay season.

Remember that most pollinating trees produce and air-spread pollens during spring.

In the case of flowers and grasses, they pollinate during summer and ragweeds produce pollen in early autumn.

Bear in mind these trivial but interesting facts so you would know how to prevent getting another allergic rhinitis episode. It could not be that deadly, but it would really feel uncomfortable. One more thing, who says complications do not kill?