Causes, Symptoms and Risk Factors of Allergic Rhinitis

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Allergic rhinitis presents symptoms that are similar to the common cold - congestion, runny nose and sneezing. However, unlike colds, this condition is not due to a virus but rather an allergic response to certain environmental substances. You may experience worse symptoms of this condition during a specific time of the year and this can be due to grass, pollen or other plants that you might be allergic to. If you are suffering from this condition, the first thing that you need to know is that you are not alone in this. You may not be able to get rid of its symptoms completely easily, but you can surely prevent it.

The signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be mild or severe. You may also experience severe symptoms that will last from 4 days to 4 weeks. Chronic congestion is one of the most common symptoms of this condition. This symptom may cause pain and facial pressure and this may affect your sense of taste and smell. The skin right below your eyes may redden and swell.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis may occur immediately after you are exposed to certain substances that trigger an allergic reaction. Some of the most common allergens include dust, pollen and animal dander. In some cases, exposure to perfume or cigarette smoke can also worsen your condition. Other symptoms of this condition include:

Watery eyesStuffy noseFrequent sneezingCongestionCoughItchy nose, eyes, throat and mouthFacial pain and pressure

If you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, it is natural to feel drowsy, fatigued and irritable. Regardless of the allergen, take note that the consequences are all the same. During the body's process of sensitization, the body's immune system may react by mistake and identify the allergens as hazards or invaders. This may cause increased production of immunoglobulin E, a known antibody. This condition can also be classified as seasonal and perennial.

For seasonal allergies, the main causes often include grass pollen during late spring and summer, pollen from trees and flowers during spring and weed pollen during autumn season. For perennial allergies, it can be due to animal dander, dust, mold or cockroaches. This condition may come with risk factors as well. Some of the most common risk factors include:

First child in the familyFamily history of allergic rhinitisExcessive exposure to cigarette or tobacco smokeFrequent exposure to dust

In case the symptoms of your allergic rhinitis occur occasionally and do not respond on medications, it would be best to consult your physician immediately.

Stephanie is a sinusitis expert and co-creator of the popular new sinusitis info based web-site: Natural Sinus Relief.