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Patient Education

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Allergic Rhinitis

Condition Basics

What are allergies (allergic rhinitis)?

Allergies happen when you are exposed to certain particles in the air (allergens). Your body's defense system (immune system) overreacts to certain substances. The immune system may treat a harmless substance as if it were a harmful germ or virus. Many things can cause this problem. You can be allergic to things such as pollens, dust, or animal dander.

Your allergies can be mild or severe. Mild allergies can be managed with home treatment. But medicine may be needed to prevent problems.

When allergies aren't treated, they can affect your health. You may have problems such as sinusitis, plugged ears, and ear infections. Allergies can also affect your quality of life. You may avoid seeing people, have problems sleeping, and feel tired or grumpy.

What are the symptoms?

Allergy symptoms may start minutes or hours after you breathe in an allergen. Your symptoms can last for days. You may sneeze or cough. Your eyes may be itchy and watery. Or you may feel "stuffed up," making it hard to breathe through your nose.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about your symptoms, activities, and home. You may also have certain allergy tests done. Knowing what symptoms you have, when you get them, and what makes them worse or better can help your doctor know if you have allergies or another problem.

How are allergies treated?

The treatments for allergic rhinitis include avoiding things you are allergic to (allergens) and managing symptoms with medicine and other home treatment. In some cases, treatment may include immunotherapy (such as allergy shots). How often you need treatment depends on how often you have symptoms.

What can help you manage your allergies?

When you have allergies, you may feel better or worse at different times of the year. Learning what triggers your allergy symptoms will help you manage and treat your allergies. Managing your allergies is an important part of your health and can help you avoid other problems.

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Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.