Allergic rhinitis, also known as pollenosis or hay fever, is an allergic inflammation of the nasal airways.

It occurs when an allergen, such as pollen or dust, is inhaled by an individual with a sensitized immune system. In such individuals, the allergen triggers the production of the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE), which binds to mast cells and basophils containing histamine.

IgE bound to mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, causing the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine (and other chemicals).This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production.

Classification:

The two categories of allergic rhinitis include:

• Seasonal—occurs particularly during pollen seasons. Seasonal allergic rhinitis does not usually develop until after 6 years of age.
• Perennial—occurs throughout the year. This type of allergic rhinitis is commonly seen in younger children.

Allergic rhinitis may also be classified as:

• Mild-Intermittent.
• Moderate-Severe intermittent.
• Mild-Persistent.
• Moderate-Severe Persistent.

Intermittent is when the symptoms occur <4 days per week or <4 consecutive weeks. Persistent is when symptoms occur >4 days/week and >4 consecutive weeks. The symptoms are considered mild with normal sleep, no impairment of daily activities, no impairment of work or school, and if symptoms are not troublesome. Severe symptoms result in sleep disturbance, impairment of daily activities, and impairment of school or work. These symptoms may cause cough, cold or obstruction to respiratory passage while breathing.

Causes:

The body’s immune system is designed to fight harmful substances like bacteria and viruses. But in allergic rhinitis, the immune system overresponds to harmless substances — like pollen, mold, and pet dander — and launches an assault. This attack is called an allergic reaction.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis:

Is caused by an allergic reaction to pollens and spores (depending on the season and area) as they are carried on the wind.

Sources include:

• Ragweed — the most common seasonal allergen (fall)
• Grass pollen (late spring and summer)
• Tree pollen (spring)
• Fungus (mold growing on dead leaves, common in summer)

Year-round allergic rhinitis:
Is caused by an allergic reaction to airborne particles from the following:

• Pet dander.
• Dust and household mites.
• Cockroaches.
• Molds growing.
• on wall paper, house plants, carpeting, and upholstery.

Risk Factors:

• Family history of allergies.
• Having other allergies, such as food allergies or eczema.
• Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke.
• Male gender.

Signs and symptoms:

• The early phase of the reaction begins minutes after exposure causing vasodilation, increase vascular permeability, production of nasal secretions, rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, nasal obstruction.
• The late phase of the reaction occurs 4–8 hours after exposure and mainly causes nasal congestion.

Physical findings:

• Conjunctival swelling and erythema.
• Eyelid swelling.
• Lower eyelid venous stasis.
• Lateral crease on the nose.
• Swollen nasal turbinates.
• Middle ear effusion.
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Diagnosis:

Your doctor will ask about your family and personal history of allergy.

You may be asked some of the following questions:

• Do symptoms change depending on the time of day or the season?
• Do you have a pet?
• Have you made changes to your diet?
• Are you taking any medications?

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may also recommend a skin test to find out what you are allergic to.
In a scratch test, for example, small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin with a needle prick or scratch. If there is an allergy, a hive (swollen reddened area) forms within about 20 minutes. Sometimes a blood test may be used to find out which allergens you react to.

With young children, it can help to watch what they do. For example, a child with allergic rhinitis may wiggle his nose and push it upward with the palm of the hand.

Prevention:

Preventing your exposure to allergens is the best way to control symptoms. These steps may help.

If you have hay fever, during days or seasons when airborne allergens are high:

• Stay indoors, and if possible, close the windows.
• Use an air conditioner.
• Avoid using fans that draw in air from outdoors.
• Don’t hang laundry outside to dry.
• Bathe or shower and change your clothes after being outside.
• Use a hepa air filter in your bedroom.

If you have perennial allergic rhinitis:

• Cover your pillows and mattress with dust mite covers.
• Remove carpet; install tile or hardwood floors. Use area rugs and wash them often in very hot water.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Use a hepa filter on your vacuum.
• Use an air purifier.
• Wash bedding and toys such as stuffed animals in very hot water once a
  week.

Suggestion about homeopathic Treatment:

The best treatment is to avoid what causes your allergic symptoms in the first place. It may be impossible to completely avoid all your triggers, but you can often take steps to reduce exposure.

Homeopathic treatment can give very good relief to patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy) and it significantly improves their immunity so that they don’t fall prey to allergens frequently.

There are many different homeopathic medicines available to treat allergic rhinitis. Medicines depend on the type and severity of symptoms, age, and whether other medical conditions (such as asthma).