Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of chronic rhinitis, affecting 10–20% of the population. It represents a significant social and economic issue. It is caused by exposure to allergens, where in sensitized individuals this contact leads to a local allergic reaction. This reaction causes the typical symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Sneezing: Often caused by indoor allergens such as dust mites, fungi, insects (cockroaches), and animal dander. This type of allergic rhinitis is usually chronic, with worsening during winter months due to poor ventilation. Runny nose (watery): Associated with outdoor allergens such as pollen and fungi, and appears during specific times of the year. For example, tree pollen in spring (February–May), grasses (May–July), weeds (July–September), and fungi (July–November). Itching: Occurs in the nose, and sometimes also in the palate, throat, and ears. Nasal congestion: Blockage of the nose. Systemic symptoms: Fatigue, malaise, headache, etc. Allergic rhinitis often coexists with allergic conjunctivitis and allergic asthma, affecting quality of life, sleep, work, and social activities.

 

 

 

Duration and Severity of Symptoms
Symptoms may be temporary if the allergen is removed, or may last for days, months, or throughout the year, with periods of exacerbation and remission. The severity depends on the amount of allergen exposure. When allergic rhinitis is not treated, symptoms worsen, leading to chronic nasal damage due to persistent inflammation.

Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis may resemble those of other types of rhinitis (infectious, irritant, vasomotor). Diagnosis includes:

• Medical history: Symptoms, duration, and seasonality.
• Clinical examination of the nose.
• Allergy testing: Determines whether allergic sensitization exists and if it is related to symptoms. Rarely, allergic rhinitis may exist without positive tests (local allergic rhinitis).

---

Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Treatment depends on avoiding the responsible allergen or reducing exposure, following medical guidance. If avoidance is not possible, there are two approaches:

1. Symptomatic treatment: Managing symptoms with antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, etc. This treatment is effective but must be used whenever symptoms appear.
2. Causal treatment (immunotherapy): Aims to stop sensitization to the allergen. Success depends on age, duration of the condition, and number of allergens. For many patients, it is the best long-term solution for managing allergic rhinitis.