ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic condition that affects the nose.
Symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Post nasal drip
The cause of allergic rhinitis can be a variety of allergens, from tree or grass pollen to molds to pet hair or dander. When these allergens reach the nose, they cause a cascade of reactions resulting in the release of chemicals such as histamine that cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and the swelling that leads to congestion.
Treating disease at the site of occurrence is a common strategy with conditions such as allergic rhinitis. This makes a nasal spray an ideal treatment for allergic rhinitis. If ocular symptoms are also present, eye drops offer focused treatment for the eye.
Allergic rhinitis can result when allergens directly enter the nose, but it can also occur in conjunction with ocular allergies. The eye presents a large surface area for allergens to contact, making it relatively likely for pollens to enter the eyes. In the eye, just as in the nose, allergens cause the release of many chemicals that result in allergy symptoms. These chemicals flow from the eyes to the nose the same way tears do, through ducts that connect the eye and nose. This means that when an allergic reaction begins to occur in the eye, this may also progress to the nose, contributing to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis as well.
