Symptoms and Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is another name for hay fever. It is an irritating condition causing bothersome symptoms that may interfere with everyday life, especially for those who have allergic rhinitis year-round. Allergic rhinitis produces these symptoms in response to exposure to certain allergens the body perceives as harmful. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be partially or completely alleviated with the use of over-the-counter medications, prescription medications or allergy shots. For many individuals the process of finding an effective treatment is difficult and may require trying different treatments and combinations of treatments.

Causes

Allergic rhinitis occurs when an individual is exposed to allergens such as pet dander, pollen, mold and dust mites. When some people are exposed to such allergens, the body perceives them as harmful and begins trying to protect the body from invasion by releasing histamine. Histamine triggers allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis usually causes symptoms similar to those experienced during the common cold. Individuals with allergic rhinitis generally have nasal congestion along with a runny nose. Also, sneezing and sinus pressure are usually present. Some people may also experience itchy or watery eyes, itchy nose and throat, bluish swollen under-eye circles and possibly even a reduction in the sense of taste and smell. While allergic rhinitis is referred to as hay fever, it will not actually cause a fever. If an individual has a fever along with the symptoms mentioned previously, it is likely that he/she has a cold instead.

Symptom Frequency

Most people experience allergic rhinitis occasionally whenever they encounter an allergen. For these people symptoms usually worsen during specific seasons when allergens such as pollen or grass are being produced. However, some people experience allergic rhinitis continually. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 out of every 5 persons suffers from allergic rhinitis.

Long-term Symptoms

Individuals who suffer from allergic rhinitis year-round may also be fatigued because of the inability to have adequate sleep as a result of the allergic reactions. This sleeplessness and fatigue may lead to irritability.

Treatment

Many over-the-counter medications are available to combat allergic rhinitis and for many individuals these medications will be effective. Over-the-counter medications include antihistamines such as Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec and Alavert. Also, over-the-counter decongestants such as Sudafed may be helpful. Other individuals may respond best to nasal corticosteroids such as Nasonex and Flonase. These medications reduce the inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis. The prescription medication known as Singulair is also an option. Singulair works by blocking leukotrienes that cause allergic rhinitis symptoms. If medications do not work, a doctor may suggest immunotherapy (allergy shots) to train the body to accept the allergens without reacting to them negatively.