Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation of the inside of the nose due to an allergen such as pollen, dust, mold, or flakes of skin from certain animals. When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen, the body releases chemicals that cause allergy symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, watery eyes, and irritation of the nose, throat, mouth, and eyes. Allergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system reacting to an allergen as if it were harmful, resulting in cells releasing a number of chemicals that cause the inside layer of the nose to become swollen and excessive levels of mucus to be produced. It is important to note that not all rhinitis is allergic, and many people suffer from nonallergic rhinitis resulting in similar symptoms.
Common allergens that cause allergic rhinitis include pollen, mold spores, house dust mites, and flakes of skin or droplets of urine or saliva from certain animals. It is difficult to completely avoid potential allergens, but steps can be taken to reduce exposure to a particular allergen that is known or suspected to trigger allergic rhinitis. Treatments for allergic rhinitis include antihistamines, nasal washes, and allergy shots. Antihistamines work well for treating allergy symptoms and may be used when symptoms do not happen often or do not last long. A nasal wash can help remove mucus from the nose, and allergy shots may be needed for more severe cases.
