Allergic Rhinitis

We are all too familiar with the problems encountered with a runny nose and stuffy head, but sometimes these problems don't occur in the winter, but during the spring, when flowers are blooming and grass is turning green. It seems like you have a cold, except there is usually no temperature, only scratchy, itchy eyes, a slight sore throat, a headache, and, of course, the runny nose. These symtoms are also described as hay fever. It's not a cold; it's called allergic rhinitis. The complaints are often similar from one person to the next, but some people tend to get milder cases than others. The good news about this problem is that while many people suffer from the problem, there is relief. The relief for these symptoms are not always found in your doctor's office, but on the shelf of your neighborhood drugstore and supermarket. But first, let's define the term allergic rhinitis, what causes it, and then we can talk about how we can get rid of it.

Allergic rhinitis is a term that is used to describe a host of symptoms that occur when someone comes into contact with an allergen, usually found in the air. Examples would inlcude flowers, trees, molds, plants, and grass, to name a few. This is an IgE-mediated inflammatory disease, which means that it occurs because there is an interaction between the allergen, i.e., the pollen, and specific cells that line the inside of the nose and other mucous areas. The result is similar to that which was described previously, which includes sneezing, itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Severe cases can result in edema or swelling of the lining of the throat and pharynx, which results in wheezing and shortness of breath. The headache ensues when the problem goes unchecked and the lining of the sinuses are also affected. The term allergy is often misunderstood, and it will behoove you to take a look at the glossary of terms explained on the web page. Some people confuse an allergy with a simple cold and vice versa. To give you an idea of how involved an allergy could be, visit the Allergy Research Institute. It is loaded with information about research and current therapy ideas.

As with most other allergic reactions, the first exposure to the allergen, such as pollen, there is no significant reaction. The reason for this is really quite simple. There are Mast Cells in the lining of these cavities which must first be stimulated in order to release the different substances we see as a runny nose. Usually, as in most people who do not suffer from a great deal of allergic problems, the number of Mast Cells and basophils are few, but some fortunate people have an abundance of these cells, which cause an over-reaction. The problem is then made worse with subsequent exposures to the allergen -- there is then a problem. The body is over-sensitized.

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