
This process is known as sensitisation.Īfter you develop sensitivity to an allergen, it will be detected by antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) whenever it comes into contact with the inside of your nose and throat. The immune system has to recognise and "memorise" it before producing antibodies to fight it. Antibodies are special proteins in the blood that are usually produced to fight viruses and infections.Īllergic reactions don't occur the first time you come into contact with an allergen. If your immune system is oversensitive, it will react to allergens by producing antibodies to fight them off.

If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system – your natural defence against infection and illness – will react to an allergen as if it were harmful. Read more about the complications of allergic rhinitisĪllergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen, such as pollen, dust and certain animals. These problems can often be treated with medication, although surgery is sometimes needed in severe or long-term cases. middle ear infections – infection of part of the ear located directly behind the eardrum.sinusitis – an infection caused by nasal inflammation and swelling that prevents mucus draining from the sinuses.nasal polyps – abnormal but non-cancerous (benign) sacs of fluid that grow inside the nasal passages and sinuses.Read more about treating allergic rhinitis and preventing allergic rhinitis Further problemsĪllergic rhinitis can lead to complications in some cases. They may prescribe a stronger medication, such as a nasal spray containing corticosteroids. See your GP for advice if you've tried taking these steps and they haven't helped.

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If your condition is mild, you can also help reduce the symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications, such as non-sedating antihistamines, and by regularly rinsing your nasal passages with a salt water solution to keep your nose free of irritants. It's difficult to completely avoid potential allergens, but you can take steps to reduce exposure to a particular allergen you know or suspect is triggering your allergic rhinitis. Read more about the causes of allergic rhinitis Treating and preventing allergic rhinitis
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This results in cells releasing a number of chemicals that cause the inside layer of your nose (the mucous membrane) to become swollen and excessive levels of mucus to be produced.Ĭommon allergens that cause allergic rhinitis include pollen – this type of allergic rhinitis is known as hay fever – as well as mould spores, house dust mites, and flakes of skin or droplets of urine or saliva from certain animals. Read more about diagnosing allergic rhinitis What causes allergic rhinitis?Īllergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system reacting to an allergen as if it were harmful. If the cause of your condition is uncertain, you may be referred for allergy testing. Visit your GP if the symptoms of allergic rhinitis are disrupting your sleep, preventing you carrying out everyday activities, or adversely affecting your performance at work or school.Ī diagnosis of allergic rhinitis will usually be based on your symptoms and any possible triggers you may have noticed. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis occasionally improve with time, but this can take many years and it's unlikely that the condition will disappear completely. But for some symptoms can be severe and persistent, causing sleep problems and interfering with everyday life. Most people with allergic rhinitis have mild symptoms that can be easily and effectively treated. Other people get allergic rhinitis all year round. Some people only get allergic rhinitis for a few months at a time because they're sensitive to seasonal allergens, such as tree or grass pollen.

These symptoms usually start soon after being exposed to an allergen. Signs and symptomsĪllergic rhinitis typically causes cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose.

It's a very common condition, estimated to affect around one in every five people in the UK. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin from certain animals.
