Allergic rhinitis is typically triggered by tiny particles of allergens inhaled through the air. Dust mites, pollen, and spores, as well as animal fur and urine, are the most common allergens in the air.
Allergic rhinitis is triggered by tiny particles of allergens inhaled through the air
Oversensitive immune system
When a person has allergic rhinitis, their immune system reacts to allergens as if they were harmful. As a result of an oversensitive immune system, antibodies are produced to fight allergens. An antibody is a protein produced by the body that helps protect against viruses and infections.
The first time someone is exposed to an allergen, they do not experience an allergic reaction. Before the immune system can produce antibodies, it must recognize and memorize them. This process is called sensitization. As a result of antibodies, your cells release many chemicals, including histamine, which inflames your mucous membrane (the innermost layer of your nose) and leads to excessive mucous production. Sneezing and a blocked or runny nose are common symptoms.
Here are some common allergens
1. House dust mites
A house dust mite is a tiny insect that feeds on skin flakes. You can find them in pillows, mattresses, carpets, and soft furnishings.
The dust mite excrement contains a chemical that causes rhinitis, not the dust mites themselves.
Dust mites are generally present all year round, but winter tends to be their peak season.
2. Pollen and spores
Grasses and trees often produce tiny particles of pollen that cause allergic rhinitis.
Most trees begin pollinating in early spring or mid-spring, while grass begins pollinating in late spring or early summer.
Rhinitis can also be caused by mold and fungi.
3. Animals
Some people are allergic to animals, such as dogs and cats. Most allergic reactions to animals are caused not by their fur, but by their saliva, urine, and flakes of dead skin.
Dogs and cats are the most common animals to cause allergies, though some people are allergic to horses, cattle, rabbits, and rodents like guinea pigs and hamsters.
Early exposure to dogs can help protect against allergies, and some studies suggest that the same might be true for cats.
4. Work-related allergens
Some individuals are allergic to allergens present in their work environment, including wood dust, flour dust, and latex.
Who’s most at risk
If your family has a history of allergies, you are more likely to develop one.
Those with such a condition are known as "atopic", or to have "atopy". People with atopic conditions often develop allergic disorders due to a genetic tendency.
Due to their increased immune response to allergens, they produce more IgE antibodies.
Environmental factors may also have an impact. Some studies have shown that certain things may increase the risk of a child developing allergies, such as growing up in a house where people smoke and being exposed to dust mites at a young age.
What Can I Do to Prevent Allergic Rhinitis?
One of the best ways to prevent allergy symptoms is to avoid exposure to allergens. You can also prevent allergy symptoms by:
- Avoid touching or rubbing your nose.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Use a vacuum with CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter to reduce allergen exposure while vacuuming.
- Bedding and pillowcases should be washed in hot water and detergent to reduce allergens.
- Cover pillows, comforters, duvets, mattresses, and box springs with dust-mite-proof covers.
- Avoid letting pets sleep in your bedroom to reduce pet dander allergens.
- To reduce pollen entering your eyes, wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Close your windows during high pollen and mold seasons.
- You should schedule a deep cleaning every 1-2 months to minimize allergens in your home.
