Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages, usually associated with watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. This condition affects about 20 percent of the American population and is also ranked as one of the most common illnesses in the US. Symptoms typically occur as a result of exposure to dust, dander or certain seasonal pollen. When caused by pollen, the allergic rhinitis is commonly called hay fever. There is no specific age when the onset of the symptoms could occur; however, a large majority of the patients display symptoms of allergic rhinitis before the age of 30.
Studies have also indicated that boys up to the age of 10 are twice as likely to have symptoms as girls. This is also a condition which can be passed on from parents to children. If one of the parents has the disorder then there is a 30 percent chance of producing offspring with allergic rhinitis. This chance goes up to 50 percent if both of the parents have a history of allergies. Someone suffering from allergic rhinitis can be severely restricted in their daily activities preventing them from going to work or attending school quite often.
The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis is made after analyzing the quality of the nasal mucosa. Nasal polyps may also be present. Additional skin testing can confirm the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The first step in the treatment of allergic rhinitis is the reduction of the allergy symptoms and this can be done through antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and allergy shots. Avoiding all the things that trigger your allergic rhinitis is the best way to keep the condition at bay. Staying away from activities that put you in direct contact with these things and installing air purifiers and dust filters is a good method of keeping allergens out.