Otorhinolaryngology focuses on the ear, nose, and throat. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and voice disorders.
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Allergic rhinitis is a common condition that affects the nose and sinuses. It happens when your body’s immune system overreacts to something in the air. These triggers are called allergens. While it is often called “hay fever,” you do not have to be exposed to hay to get it. It can happen seasonally or year-round. Understanding the symptoms and risk factors is the first step toward feeling better.
Early recognition of allergic rhinitis aids management. Symptoms resemble a cold but last longer, are non-viral, and typically do not cause fever. Persistent symptoms over a week suggest an allergy.
Early warning signs include:
Symptoms can change depending on what triggers your allergy. Doctors group allergic rhinitis into two main types: seasonal and perennial.
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: This type shows up only at certain times of the year. It is usually triggered by outdoor allergens.
Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: This type happens year-round. It is triggered by indoor allergens.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms in children can look different than in adults. Because children may not know how to describe their feelings, you have to look for physical clues. These signs can affect their daily life and school performance.
Common physical signs in kids:
Allergic rhinitis itself is rarely a medical emergency. However, it can trigger other serious conditions. It is closely linked to asthma. If your allergies are severe, they can make breathing difficult.
Seek immediate care if you notice:
Allergic rhinitis risk is influenced by both genetics and environment. Assessing total risk helps explain susceptibility, and early identification of pediatric risk factors can guide prevention.
Modifiable risk factors are things in your environment or lifestyle that you can change. Reducing exposure to these triggers can lower the chance of developing allergies or make symptoms less severe. This is especially important for young children and pregnant mothers.
Environmental Triggers:
Non-modifiable risk factors are inherent traits, mainly genetic or familial, that cannot change but guide awareness..
Genetics and Family History:
The Hygiene Hypothesis suggests that limited early-life germ exposure may mistrain the immune system, increasing allergy risk..
There are interesting patterns regarding gender and allergies.
Your total risk is a mix of all these factors. You might have a genetic risk because your parents have allergies. If you add environmental triggers like smoke or pollution, your total risk goes up.
Assessment Summary:
Risk levels for allergic rhinitis:
This informs doctors in developing prevention strategies.
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The most common warning signs are a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. Unlike a cold, these symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. You may also see dark circles under the eyes, known as allergic shiners.
People with a family history of allergies (atopy) are at the highest risk. If you have other allergic conditions like eczema or asthma, you are also more likely to get it. Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy face a higher risk as well.
Yes, the prevalence changes with age. Before puberty, boys are more likely to have allergic rhinitis than girls. In adulthood, women are more frequently affected. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also worsen nasal congestion and allergy symptoms in women.
Exposure to cigarette smoke, especially in childhood, greatly increases risk. Living in a home with high humidity (which grows mold and mites) or indoor pets can also trigger it. High pollution levels in your city can make your immune system more sensitive.
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