Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis occurs when the immune system over-reacts to allergens present in the air. Common triggers include pollen, house dust mites, mould spores and pet dander. When the reaction is to pollen from trees, grasses and weeds it is called seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hayfever. It is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it’s warm, humid, and windy: this is when the pollen count is at its highest.
When exposed to these allergens, the immune system of the sufferer releases histamines and other chemicals, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat or ears, coughing and fatigue.1
Allergic Rhinitis symptoms can be described by their frequency and severity:2
| Frequency | |
| Intermittent | Fewer than 4 days a week or fewer than 4 weeks’ duration |
| Persistent | More than 4 days a week and for more than 4 weeks’ duration |
| Severity | |
| Mild |
|
| Moderate/severe |
One or more symptoms
|