Allergic Rhinitis

General Information on Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by a reaction of the body’s immune system to an environmental trigger. Common environmental triggers include: dust, molds, pollen, and pet dander. Doctors usually diagnose allergic rhinitis based on a person’s history of symptoms. Avoiding the allergen will prevent symptoms from occurring, but isn’t always possible.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms may include:

Runny nose
Stuffy nose
Sneezing
Itchy eyes
Watery eyes

Treatments For Allergic Rhinitis

Following diagnosis, a doctor may prescribe a nasal corticosteroid spray, which will decrease nasal inflammation. Nasal corticosteroid sprays are generally safe for long-term use. Over the counter antihistamines help prevent the allergic reaction as well as help control the symptoms, but may cause drowsiness. A prescription antihistamine may be given, such as Allegra or Clarinex, which are known for their more mild side-effects. Another method for treatment is desensitization, which helps to build a long-term tolerance to the allergen, but can take months or years to take effect

Personal Experience

Allergic Rhinitis - personal experiences