Nasal Allergy (Allergic Rhinitis) Overview
Do you have trouble with a stuffy, itchy or runny nose, possibly with sneezing, that lasts for more than a week or two? You may have rhinitis, an irritation of the mucous membranes of your nose. Often, but not always, rhinitis is caused by allergies, and is called nasal allergy or allergic rhinitis.
If you get allergic rhinitis during certain seasons of the year when specific outdoor allergens are present, it is called “seasonal allergic rhinitis.” You may know it by another name, “hay fever,” although it is not caused by hay and doesn’t come with a fever. (Allergens are substances that your body recognizes as “foreign,” like certain tree, grass or weed pollens, or mold spores.)
Sometimes people have allergic rhinitis all year round, which is called “perennial rhinitis.” Perennial rhinitis is often caused by allergies to things that are present indoors all the time, such as dust mites, animal dander or cockroaches. This type of rhinitis may feel a lot like a cold that never goes away.
More than 40 million Americans are affected by rhinitis, including many children. Allergic rhinitis is more than just a little nuisance. It causes millions of missed days of work or school each year. People who suffer from allergic rhinitis often have problems sleeping well, which can contribute to fatigue, irritability, and difficulties learning in school or being productive at work. Allergic rhinitis can contribute to other problems, too, such as sinus problems or ear problems, and it can make asthma worse.
Preventive Steps
There are several types of treatment for allergic rhinitis, and your doctor can guide you to the best choices for your symptoms.
The first step is to identify what causes your allergic rhinitis and develop a plan to avoid these allergy triggers. For example, you can
- keep your windows closed and use air conditioning to avoid getting grass and tree pollen indoors;
- limit your outdoor activities during peak pollen times of the day; for grass pollens, this is afternoon and early evening, while ragweed pollens are most prevalent during early midday;
- take a shower to wash pollen off your skin and hair and change your clothes after spending time outside;
- cover your mattresses and pillows with special covers and wash all bedding every week in hot (130° F) water, if you are allergic to dust mites.
Learn more simple ways to eliminate or reduce exposure to pollen allergens.
Learn more tips to help eliminate dust mites in your home.
Your doctor or nurse can give you a list of additional suggestions to help with your specific type(s) of allergies.
Treatment and Medications
Your doctor may also prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter medications to help treat your symptoms. Learn about some of the common medications.
This information has been approved by Harold Nelson, MD (March 2008).
