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- What is allergic rhinitis?
- Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Causes of allergic rhinitis
- Prevention of allergic rhinitis
- Risk factors for allergic rhinitis
- Complications of allergic rhinitis
- When to see a doctor about allergic rhinitis
- Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis
- Conventional treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of allergic rhinitis
- Living with allergic rhinitis
- Caring for someone with allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which there are a group of symptoms that typically affect the nasal mucous membranes (these become itchy and inflamed) and also the eyes (these also become itchy and inflamed).
Allergic rhinitis is basically another name for hay fever.
Allergic rhinitis causes the body's immune system to over-react and cause an allergic reaction to specific non-infecting particles such as:
- Animal fur and dander
- Certain foods
- Chemicals (any type)
- Dust mites
- Household chemicals
- Household dust
- Insect bites
- Medication
- Mould
- Perfume
- Plant pollens
- Tobacco smoke
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Some facts about allergic rhinitis
- Other conditions such as sinusitis, nasal polyps and asthma commonly occur alongside allergic rhinitis
- Blood levels of the antibody IgE are raised in people with allergic rhinitis
- Allergy testing can be done in a variety of ways but the most effective way is through skin prick testing, where a small amount of the allergen is placed on the skin and these areas are pricked or scratched to allow the allergen to go into the skin. If the skin develops a raised, itchy area (called a wheal) then there is a definite allergy to that substance - this test is normally done by a medical doctor
- Another type of allergy testing is the allergy blood test, which looks for antibodies to certain allergens to test if there is an allergy to them
- People with allergic rhinitis are advised to stay indoors on hot, dry, windy days when there is likely to be more pollen and other allergens in the air
- People with known allergens to certain substances should try to avoid them
- It is better to try to avoid the allergens in order to stop the symptoms from happening in the first place
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2: symptoms > Last reviewed: 21 September 2007 || Last updated: 9 January 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
