Allergic rhinitis is a disease manifesting as a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These
symptoms come about because someone has breathed in substances in the air that they are
allergic to. These substances are called allergens.
CAUSES
An Allergen is a name given to any substance that can lead to the body reacting to it when
breathed in or eaten. Each time a person is exposed to the allergen, the body reacts by producing
some chemicals so as to contain or stop the allergen from causing harm to the body. A person is
thus said to have an allergy.
These allergens can be pollen from flowers, mold, animal dander, cockroaches, dust mites
or dust.
SYMPTOMS
These symptoms can occur seasonally or through out the year when the allergen is present. These
symptoms occur shortly after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to. They
may include:
 Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat or skin
 Runny nose which is clear watery
 Sneezing
 Watery eyes
Other symptoms that may develop later include:
 nasal congestion or blockage
 blocked ears and decreased sense of smell
 swelling under the eyes
 Headache
 Dark circles under the eyes
 Coughing
DIAGNOSIS
The health care provider will ask you about your symptoms history and examine you.
Sometimes allergen tests can also be done in some cases in which a skin prick test or blood
samples are gotten.

TREATMENT
Allergic rhinitis is due to allergy and therefore there is no cure but there are ways to improve
symptoms when they occur.
LIFESTYLE AND AVOIDING ALLERGENS
Avoidance of the allergens would be the best to reduce symptoms but it is often difficult.
MEDICINES TO REDUCE SYMPTOMS
Your doctor may prescribe some drugs that will help reduce the symptoms. They are grouped
into antihistamines,

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