What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is the group of uncomfortable symptoms that occur when your body is exposed to a specific allergen. An allergen is a typically harmless substance, such as grass or dust, which causes an allergic reaction. Pollen is the most common allergen for most people. When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it releases histamine. This is a natural chemical that is actually intended to defend the body from the allergen. However, this chemical causes many uncomfortable symptoms (allergic rhinitis) that include runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. This condition can interfere with your everyday quality of life, so it is important to find treatment.

Types of Allergens-

Common allergens that can cause this condition include pollen, dust, animal dander (old skin), cat saliva, and mold. Pollen is the biggest allergen culprit, especially during certain times of the year. Tree and flower pollen is more prevalent in the spring, while grasses and weeds produce more pollen in the summer and fall months.

Causative factors for Allergic Rhinitis

The immune system works continuously to protect the body from potentially dangerous intruders such as bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Some people are hypersensitive to substances like pollen grains, perfumes, some strong odours that are typically harmful.When the immune system inaccurately identifies these substances an allergic reaction and inflammatory response occurs.The antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a key player in allergic reactions. When an allergen enters the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies. These antibodies then attach themselves to mast cells, which are found in the nose, eyes, lungs, and gastro intestinal tract.The mast cells release inflammatory chemical mediators, such as histamine, that cause atopic symptoms (sneezing, coughing, wheezing). The mast cells continue to produce more inflammatory chemicals that stimulate the production of more IgE, continuing the allergic process.