Symptoms
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
Sneezing
Runny nose (rhinorrhea)
Nasal congestion
Itchy nose, eyes, throat, and ears
Watery eyes
Postnasal drip
Cough
Fatigue
Headache (less common)
Causes
Allergic rhinitis is triggered by exposure to allergens. Common allergens include:
Seasonal allergens: Tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed pollen
Perennial (year-round) allergens: Dust mites, pet dander, mold spores
Other allergens: Cockroaches The body's immune system identifies these harmless substances as threats and releases histamine and other chemicals, leading to inflammation and symptoms.
Medicine Used
Non-sedating antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis. Examples include:
Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert)
Cetirizine (Zyrtec) - Although technically non-sedating, some individuals may experience mild drowsiness.
Fexofenadine (Allegra)
Levocetirizine (Xyzal) - Similar to cetirizine, some people may experience mild drowsiness.
Desloratadine (Clarinex) These medications block the effects of histamine, reducing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Other medications used include nasal corticosteroids, decongestants, and leukotriene inhibitors, but this section focuses on non-sedating antihistamines.
Is Communicable
No, allergic rhinitis is not communicable. It is an allergic reaction, not an infection. It cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Identify and Avoid Allergens: The most effective precaution is to avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms as much as possible.
Monitor Pollen Counts: Pay attention to pollen forecasts and stay indoors during peak pollen times.
Keep Windows Closed: During high pollen seasons, keep windows closed in your home and car.
Use Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to remove allergens from the air.
Wash Bedding Frequently: Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites.
Bathe Pets Regularly: Bathe pets regularly to reduce dander.
Consult a Doctor: See a doctor or allergist for proper diagnosis and management.
Read Medication Labels: Always read and follow the instructions on medication labels. Be aware that even non-sedating antihistamines can cause mild drowsiness in some individuals, so exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of allergic rhinitis symptoms depends on the allergen and the length of exposure.
Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms typically last as long as the pollen season for the specific allergen. This could be several weeks or months.
Perennial Allergies: Symptoms may be present year-round, with exacerbations depending on the level of allergen exposure. With appropriate management, including medication, symptoms can be controlled.
How is it diagnosed?
Allergic rhinitis is typically diagnosed through:
Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and potential triggers.
Physical Examination: The doctor will examine your nose, throat, and ears.
Allergy Testing:
Skin prick test: Small amounts of allergens are pricked into the skin to see if a reaction occurs.
Blood test (RAST or ImmunoCAP): Measures the amount of IgE antibodies to specific allergens in the blood.
Timeline of Symptoms
The onset and progression of symptoms can vary, but a typical timeline might look like this:
Exposure to Allergen: Initial exposure may not cause immediate symptoms in sensitized individuals.
Sensitization: The body's immune system recognizes the allergen and produces IgE antibodies.
Re-exposure: Upon subsequent exposure, the IgE antibodies trigger the release of histamine and other chemicals.
Minutes to Hours: Symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes begin shortly after re-exposure.
Days to Weeks: If exposure continues, symptoms can persist, leading to fatigue and potentially impacting sleep.
Resolution: Symptoms subside once allergen exposure is reduced or medication is used effectively.
Important Considerations
Drowsiness: While non-sedating antihistamines are less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines, some individuals may still experience mild sedation. It's important to be aware of this potential side effect, especially when driving or operating machinery.
Effectiveness: Antihistamines are most effective when taken before exposure to allergens. They are better at preventing symptoms than treating them after they've already started.
Combination Therapy: For more severe symptoms, non-sedating antihistamines may be used in combination with other medications, such as nasal corticosteroids or decongestants. Consult with a doctor about the best treatment plan.
Underlying Conditions: Be sure to inform your doctor of any other medical conditions you have, as allergic rhinitis can sometimes worsen conditions like asthma or sinusitis.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult with your doctor before taking any medication for allergic rhinitis, including non-sedating antihistamines.