Those beset with the dilemma of allergies may be all too familiar with
. Allergic rhinitis is even perhaps the most common symptom of an allergic reaction. This condition which poses a significant discomfort to an allergy sufferer can either be perennial or seasonal in nature and is commonly called “hay fever”. It does ring a bell, doesn’t it, as it is a common by-word not only among allergy sufferers but in almost all write-ups concerning allergies as well. An estimated 20% of the world’s total population is diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and approximately $5.3 billion are spent annually on treatment of the condition.
Although not fatal, allergic rhinitis can be a cause for concern as it can significantly and negatively affect the sufferer’s quality of life. Allergic rhinitis is believed to be hereditary, so part of determining a diagnosis of the condition is an evaluation of family history of allergies along with physical examinations. The initial onset of allergic rhinitis may be experienced during childhood, and when it does manifest at an early age, it is more likely to affect more boys than girls. But the condition can strike anytime as well during adulthood, and for adults, it is capable of affecting both men and women and has not predilection towards any gender.
Symptoms of this allergic reaction may include the swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages. It is then that the sufferer may experience a “clogged” sensation. The swelling and the inflammation is caused by a release of histamine in the nose following a reaction to an allergen. Sneezing, watery eyes, a clear nasal discharge and itching of the nose, throat and eyes often accompany
. Other than that, one may also experience congestion, nose bleeds, ear pressure and fatigue. What seems more aggravating is that allergic rhinitis is associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, ear infections, asthma and generalized exhaustion which can make the condition come to the point of being distressing.
With such discomforting symptoms, it may be reasonable to say that living with allergic rhinitis entails limited enjoyment. Allergic rhinitis is said to be perennial when it persists all year round such as when it is triggered by mold, pet dander, dust mites and cockroaches. Among the most prevalent seasonal allergic triggers on the other hand are grass and ragweed pollen. Plants which solely rely on airborne pollination, although not seasonal can also cause an onslaught of allergic rhinitis. Obtaining a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is fairly easy. Prior to conducting a physical exam, the doctor often asks about the patient’s family medical history.
A family history of allergies may indicate that the patient has increased chances of developing allergies and allergic rhinitis. Entailed in the physical check-up for allergic rhinitis is to examine whether the patient has a pale and swollen nose lining- a typical symptom of
. Other than that, the patient may have red and irritated eyes, swollen eyelids and dark circles under the eyes. An “allergic salute” is also common wherein one has a crease in the middle of the nose due to rubbing or pushing.
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