Q. What is Allergic Rhinitis?

A. Allergic rhinitis is a medical term for an inflammation of the nasal airways that occurs when you breathe in or are exposed to something to which you are allergic.

Q. How to differentiate common colds versus allergies?

A. Common colds are caused by viruses. The symptoms are stuffy and runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, muscle aches, low grade or no fever. Duration  is usually seven to 10 days, and it may get worse before it gets better. Nasal allergies are caused by exposure to allergens. Symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny, itchy nose.

Q. What am I allergic to?

A. There are basically two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal and perennial (year-round). Seasonal allergic rhinitis refers to allergies caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and/or weeds. 

Perennial allergic rhinitis is usually caused by dust, molds, and animal dander (or scales that flake from the skin, hair, or feathers of animals or birds). 

Your allergist or health care provider can perform several tests to determine exactly which substances your body considers to be allergens.

Q. How did I get it?

A. Everybody has an immune system that protects their body by fighting unwanted substances such as bacteria, viruses, and the like. 

When you have an allergy, it means your immune system is fighting something that would be considered harmless by the immune system of a non-allergic person. 

Q. But what if I don’t have any pets (or live near trees, or use feather pillows)?

A. Allergens (except for those that come in certain drugs or food) get into the body through the nose or mouth. Microscopic in size, most allergens are carried by air and are easily breathed in.

Q. What can I do to prevent allergies?

A.  For sufferers of seasonal allergic rhinitis, the main culprits are pollens from weeds, plants, grasses or trees. If you can keep pollen out of your home, you can usually reduce the severity of your symptoms. For example, on dry, windy days, keep your home and car windows closed and use an air conditioner.

The most common causes of perennial allergic rhinitis are found in the home: dust and dust mites (barely visible organisms that live within dust), and animal allergens. Usually, strict control in the home environment will help relieve symptoms.

Q. What about medicine?

A.  Medicines include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal cortiscosteroid sprays, and allergy shots (also called immunotherapy).

Allergy shots are generally used in people with severe symptoms. Patients are injected with small and increasing doses of the offending allergen until they become less sensitive to it.

Antihistamines work by stopping the chemical reaction in the body that causes allergy symptoms. Most antihistamines make you feel drowsy, although newer, non-sedating antihistamines are available by prescription. 

Decongestants work by making the blood vessels smaller which helps to relieve nasal and sinus stuffiness. Side effects may include high blood pressure, jumpiness, fast heartbeat, difficulty urinating, and headache, so decongestants must be used with caution.

Nasal inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective type treatment for both seasonal and perennial nasal allergy symptoms, 

Q. Where can I find additional information?

A. For additional information about allergies, log on to www.aaaai.org or www.acaai.org.