It affects millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny or stuffed nose, itching of the nose, eyes, or roof of the mouth, and watery eyes. It can occur seasonally or all year round depending on the allergic trigger.
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions in Australia, affecting almost 1-in-5 Australians. Unlike many health conditions, allergic rhinitis is more common in those of working age than it is in the young and the elderly.
Allergic rhinitis can significantly impact on an individual’s quality of life. Having allergic rhinitis can negatively impact on schoolwork, sleep and other activities.
Allergic rhinitis is an atopic disorder (atopy refers to the genetic tendency to develop allergic disease) and often occurs with asthma, eczema and IgE-mediated food allergy in the same individual or other related family members.
The term “united airway disease” refers to the high rates of co-existing allergic rhinitis and asthma within affected individuals due to their similar pathogenesis. This is important as better allergic rhinitis control can improve asthma management.
Other conditions associated with allergic rhinitis include chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis and recurrent otitis media in children. 40% to 50% of children older than 3 years with chronic otitis media have confirmed allergic rhinitis.
Diagnosing allergic rhinitis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and allergy testing. Your doctor may inquire about your symptoms, triggers, and medical history. Allergy tests such as skin prick tests or blood tests may be performed to identify what your allergic triggers are.
