“Allergic rhinitis” is the medical term for allergy affecting the mucous membrane of the nose. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often called hay fever, while year-round nasal allergy is called perennial allergic rhinitis. People with allergic rhinitis often think they have “sinus trouble.” When no specific allergy can be found but nose symptoms are present, the condition is called vasomotor rhinitis. Most people develop allergic rhinitis before age 30. An estimated 13 million Americans suffer from hay fever—primarily due to ragweed pollen allergy.
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Itching
Symptoms also associated with allergic rhinitis by not so common are:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Headache
- Lose senses of smell, taste, and hearing
- Fatigue.
Many times, allergic rhinitis is diagnosed as a common cold because the symptoms are similar. If your symptoms occur repeatedly throughout the year or at the same time every year, you may have an allergy.
Persons with allergic rhinitis often have dark circles under their eyes. To relieve an itching nose, children especially, may develop the habit of pushing the nose up with the palm of the hand. After a few years, this can cause a crease (called an “allergic crease”) to appear across the nose. Also, the midpart of the nose may broaden from the pressure of swollen tissue underneath. The mouth may be open continually so the person can breathe better. Children may develop a variety of other mannerisms which parents find annoying but which are caused by the allergy.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis usually results from allergy to a variety of things including pollen, dust, mold, and food. The nose is especially reactive because it contains many cells filled with histamine, which become sensitized and release the histamine upon contact with an allergen.
