Overview
Affecting up to 40 percent of people worldwide, allergic rhinitis is a condition where the sufferer experiences an allergic reaction to an otherwise harmless substance called an allergen. The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include:
- Sneezing
- Runny Nose
- Itchy/ Watery Eyes
- Stuffy/ Itchy Nose
- Coughing
- Sore/ Scratchy Throat
- Dark Circles Under Eyes
- Frequent Headaches
- Skin Issues such as Eczema
- Hives
- Fatigue
After exposure to an allergen, the body releases the chemical histamine, causing one or more of the above symptoms. Some people only experience allergies seasonally. Others battle the condition all year long. The most common allergens include:
- Tree/ Grass/ Flower Pollen
- Dust Mites
- Animal Dander
- Cat Saliva
- Mold
While not considered a serious disease, allergies can have a devastating impact on the quality of life for the sufferer. Chronic symptoms can negatively impact cognitive function in children and result in reduced productivity for workers. Patients with allergic rhinitis have three times greater chance of developing asthma, a far more devastating condition affecting the lungs. Wheezing, coughing, breathlessness and chest tightness are all common symptoms of asthma.