Allergic Rhinitis Overview
You may or may not have heard of allergic rhinitis, but this is a common condition that can affect sleep, school/work attendance, as well as your day-to-day performance. Allergic rhinitis can be very draining! Symptoms can range from being intermittent to persistent and can range from mild, moderate to severe.
Allergic rhinitis can lead to the development of asthma and may be a contributor to poor asthma control. Three forms are categorized:
- Occupational rhinitis: The symptoms can occur due to allergens one could encounter at work. Typical allergens include latex gloves, chemicals, perfume, corrosive gases, flour, cigarette smoke, exhaust, wood dust, cleaning products, etc.
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis/hay fever: This type can occur during certain times of the year. Common allergens include weeds and mold spores. This type is also known as hay fever when it’s due to grass and pollen from trees, grass, and weeds.
- Perennial rhinitis (persistent): This type can occur all year round. Common allergens include domestic pets (pet hair), mold, cockroaches, and house dust mites.
The common symptoms of allergic rhinitis typically include:
- Stuffy nose
- Runny nose
- Itchy nose
- Itchy palate
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy skin, mouth, throat, or eyes
- Fatigue
- Swollen and puffy eyelids
These symptoms can be severe enough to where it starts to affect your personal life. If you suspect you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, see your physician as soon as possible. Many may not realize how much this condition can affect the quality of your life.
The following conditions and events are associated with leaving it untreated:
- Fatigue
- Insomnia and poor sleep quality
- Irritability
- Inability to focus and concentrate
- Impaired hand-eye coordination
- Memory loss
- Brain fog
- Impaired decision-making
- Increased risk of school or work injuries
- Increased risk of accidents
- Missed days of school or work
Don’t let allergic rhinitis hold you back from the things you want to do. Make an appointment with your physician today. With proper treatment, symptoms can be controlled, allowing you to live a much healthier life.