What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Hay fever is the common name to describe allergic rhinitis, or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, and involves a recurrent runny, stuffy, itchy nose, and frequent sneezing. It can also affect your eyes, sinuses, throat and ears. 2,3
Like any other allergy, allergic rhinitis is an inappropriate immune system response to an allergen – most commonly house dust mites, pets, pollen and mould.2,3 About 20 per cent of the general population suffers from rhinitis. 2
Impact
Allergic rhinitis can have a significant impact on:
Sleep 3
Concentration 2
Learning and daily function 2
Childhood behaviour and development 2
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of acute allergic rhinitis (hayfever) include:
- Runny nose 2
- Rubbing of the nose 3
- Itchy nose 3
- Sneezing 3
- Itchy, watery eyes 3
Causes of Allergic Rhinitis
The key causes of allergic rhinitis are: