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Allergic rhinitis is an allergic condition that causes sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy nose and watery eyes. Common allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis are pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites and insects. This condition greatly hampers quality of life, but you can find relief with early diagnosis, allergen testing and avoidance, lifestyle changes, allergy medications and immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to an allergen in the air. The irritants can be easily inhaled through your nose or mouth. Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have an allergy, the immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. The main chemical is called histamine. It causes mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to become inflamed.
Sometimes, food allergies can also cause inflammation in your nose and throat.
Allergies are inherited, which means you’re more likely to have it if you have a parent or immediate family member with allergies. People who have asthma or eczema are also more likely to develop allergic rhinitis.
Patients' symptoms and clinical examination is a reliable way to diagnose allergic rhinitis. A blood allergy test measures antibodies to an allergen in a sample of your blood. This blood test is called an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test and can detect most types of allergies. Serum Phadiatop is another blood test that gives an idea about allergy. To determine the specific cause of allergy, a skin prick test is done. In a skin prick test, your doctor places a small sample of different allergens on your skin (usually on your forearm or back). They scratch or prick your skin with a needle.