One of the commonly known types of allergies is a respiratory allergy. This kind of allergy involves the inhalation of common allergens, which results in an allergic reaction in people. However, some people may not know they have this condition due to the overlapping symptoms with other respiratory conditions. That’s why it is ideal to learn the allergic rhinitis symptoms to confirm its occurrence and manage it early on.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the crucial symptoms to help individuals navigate their condition better. Understand the common allergic rhinitis symptoms and differentiate it from other health conditions. Let’s begin!
Understanding Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages and associated symptoms. It can also be called hay fever, and has two types: seasonal and perennial. This respiratory allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to harmless substances in the environment, known as allergens. When a person with allergic rhinitis comes into contact with these allergens, their immune system releases chemicals, such as histamine, that lead to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
While some individuals develop allergic rhinitis, others remain unaffected. It happens due to the role of the immune system in this condition. Allergic rhinitis is an immune response triggered by immunoglobulin E (IgE). This antibody that the body releases can bind allergens and trigger the release of inflammatory substances, hence causing an allergic response.
Furthermore, genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the development of allergic rhinitis. Individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to experience allergic rhinitis.
Aside from that, it is also important to recognize the role of allergens in the occurrence of this respiratory allergy. Here are some of the most known indoor and outdoor allergens that can trigger allergic rhinitis or hay fever symptoms:
- pollen (grass pollen, flower pollen, tree pollen, etc.)
- animal dander or pet dander
- dust mites
- mold spores
Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
Recognizing the allergic rhinitis symptoms is crucial as this information can help healthcare providers diagnose the patients accurately. These allergy symptoms may vary from mild to severe, depending on the current condition of the patients. Since it involves respiratory health, patients with other respiratory conditions like the common cold may be more susceptible to the symptoms. Unfortunately, that nature alone may mean overlapping symptoms. That’s why it’s best to know their difference to recognize that the symptoms are allergic rhinitis related.
Common Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
When exposed to the mentioned allergens, it can trigger symptoms and may worsen during a certain allergy season. For instance, a large amount of pollen occurs when certain types of plants are in bloom. Thus, allergic rhinitis symptoms can occur.
Here are the common symptoms to look out for during certain seasons:
- sneezing
- runny or stuffy nose
- itchy nose, eyes, or throat
- breathlessness
- watery eyes
- sinus pressure
Meanwhile, there are also severe cases where individuals rub their noses in an upward motion due to itching. This repetitive motion can lead to a sore throat. It’s best to have safe preventive measures to avoid worsening the condition further.
Less Common Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms
In addition to the typical symptoms, some individuals may experience less common symptoms. These groups of symptoms, although less prevalent, can still significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and should not be overlooked.
Facial pain in allergic rhinitis is often due to sinus congestion and pressure build-up. This discomfort is commonly felt around the cheeks, forehead, and eyes. Meanwhile, fatigue can result from poor sleep quality caused by nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. Lastly, impaired smell, known as hyposmia, can also occur, and affect the ability to enjoy food. It may lead to a decreased appetite.
The Difference Between Seasonal and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
As mentioned, there are 2 types of allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis can be classified as seasonal or perennial, depending on the type of allergens involved and the duration of symptoms. Understanding the nuances of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis can significantly impact how individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Let’s discuss them below!
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
This type of allergic rhinitis often occurs during specific times of the year when certain allergens are more prevalent. For example, many people experience symptoms in the spring due to high pollen counts. Identifying the specific triggers and avoiding exposure to them can help manage seasonal allergic rhinitis effectively.
In addition to pollen, seasonal allergic rhinitis can also be triggered by outdoor molds and spores, as well as certain foods. Understanding the interplay between these allergens and the body’s immune response is crucial in developing personalized treatment plans.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis
On the other hand, perennial allergic rhinitis occurs year-round and is caused by exposure to indoor allergens. These allergens can be present in homes, workplaces, or other indoor environments. Identifying and reducing exposure to these allergens is crucial for managing perennial allergic rhinitis.
In addition to common indoor allergens, perennial allergic rhinitis can also be exacerbated by factors such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, and strong odors. Understanding these environmental triggers can help individuals make informed choices to minimize exposure and alleviate symptoms.
Complications Associated with Allergic Rhinitis
While it may be perceived as a mere nuisance, allergic rhinitis symptoms can lead to complications if left untreated. Allergic rhinitis is one of the medical conditions that can affect the daily life of patients. It targets respiratory health, which can occur any time of day when certain allergens are present. Thus, making their life experience limited due to the constant allergic reactions.
There are other reasons why allergic rhinitis is a complex condition to manage promptly. Let’s discuss them below!
Impact on Quality of Life
Living with allergic rhinitis can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. The persistent symptoms, such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching, can interfere with daily activities and sleep. Allergic rhinitis may also affect school or work performance and contribute to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and social withdrawal.
Moreover, the constant need to manage symptoms through medications or avoidance strategies can be emotionally taxing, leading to increased stress and anxiety. The financial burden of frequent doctor’s visits, medications, and potentially missed work days can also add to the overall impact on one’s quality of life.
Potential Health Risks
Untreated allergic rhinitis can potentially lead to other health complications. Chronic nasal congestion can increase the risk of developing sinus infections or sinusitis. Eustachian tube dysfunction, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, can also occur, leading to earaches or fluid buildup in the middle ear. Furthermore, untreated allergic rhinitis can exacerbate asthma symptoms or trigger asthma attacks in individuals with concomitant asthma.
In addition to the respiratory complications, allergic rhinitis can also affect cognitive function in some individuals. The constant inflammation and immune response triggered by allergens can impact concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities, further adding to the potential health risks associated with this condition.
Seeking Help From A Doctor
While understanding the symptoms present can provide a clue on confirming the condition as allergic rhinitis, individuals should not self-diagnose themselves. Seeking an evaluation from a doctor is the best option to ensure the current health status. In that case, individuals can expect to undergo allergy testing, physical exams, and other diagnostic tests for a more accurate diagnosis.
Diagnostic Tests for Allergic Rhinitis
One of the most common methods of allergy testing for allergic rhinitis is the skin prick test. During this skin test, small amounts of allergens are pricked into your skin to observe any allergic reactions. Another diagnostic option is a blood test, which can measure the levels of specific antibodies in the blood that are associated with allergic reactions. These tests can help determine the specific sensitivities and provide valuable information for the best treatment plan.
Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your healthcare professional will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent future allergic reactions, and improve your overall quality of life.
Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis
When there’s proof that the occurring warning signs are allergic rhinitis symptoms, it is now time to develop a working treatment plan. The treatment plan for allergic rhinitis may include a combination of strategies, medications, and more to manage this respiratory allergy better.
Here are some of the possible treatment options:
Environmental Controls
Making changes to your environment can help minimize exposure to known allergens. Indoor allergens can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are ways to avoid these triggers, individuals should accomplish them
It involves certain changes such as the following:
- using allergen-proof bedding covers
- implementing regular cleaning routines to reduce indoor allergens
- avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen seasons.
Medications
On the other hand, over-the-counter or prescription medications can be used to alleviate symptoms. While these medications are easily accessible, it is still important for patients to seek guidance from a doctor. That way no side effects from the overlap of medications can occur. Aside from that, doctors can also provide prescription medicines to manage allergic reactions better.
Here are some of the medications that patients with this condition can use:
- Antihistamines – commonly used to block the effects of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction.
- Decongestants – can help relieve nasal congestion, while nasal corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the nasal passages.
- Nasal saline sprays or nasal sprays – provide relief by moisturizing and flushing out irritants from the nasal passages.
- Eye drops – offers relief from itchy, watery eyes due to allergies.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
Another solution for relieving allergic rhinitis symptoms is allergy shots or immunotherapy. For individuals with severe or persistent allergic rhinitis, this option is suitable. It involves gradually exposing the immune system to small doses of the allergen, helping to decrease sensitivity over time. In the case of allergic rhinitis, patients receive regular shots of the pollen. Allergy shots are typically administered over several years and can provide long-term relief for many individuals.
Conclusion
Understanding the role of symptoms in confirming the occurrence of a health condition should be a priority for every individual. That way, they can manage their condition early on as they have recognized the warning signs present. In the case of patients who think they have allergic rhinitis, they can check the mentioned allergic rhinitis symptoms. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s ideal to visit a health doctor to monitor and accurately diagnose your condition.
Remember, it is dangerous to self-diagnose. Book an online consultation with an allergist and immunologist to check your symptoms.
