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Commonly called hay fever, allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose that occurs when an allergic individual encounters an airborne allergen such as pollen, mold, dust mites or animal dander. Usually inhaled, these triggers generate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat and itchy or watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis is very common, with an estimated 20 percent of Americans suffering from the condition, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

There are many types of related rhinitis, each with its own allergy trigger and symptoms. The two main types of allergic rhinitis are:

• Perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). Symptoms appear year-round.
  
  
• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Symptoms vary by the time of year.

SAR is the most common type of allergic rhinitis due to the heavy amounts of various pollens present at different times of the year. However, PAR is generally considered more uncomfortable since sufferers are often also sensitive to indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.

There are other types of rhinitis that should not be confused with allergic rhinitis. All types of rhinitis affect nasal and sinus function. However, many other types of rhinitis respond to triggers that differ from those of allergic rhinitis (such as hormones, drugs or changes in weather). These fall into a general category of non-allergic rhinitis. Causes may include:

• Infection, such as the flu or common cold
  
  
• Nasal polyps
  
  
• Hormonal imbalance, caused by pregnancy or other factors
  
  
• Overuse of over-the-counter nasal sprays
  
  
• Use of certain medications
  
  
• Exposure to cold temperatures, high humidity, chemicals or other irritants
  
  
• Structural problems within the nose or nasal passages
  
  
• Eating spicy or hot temperature foods

It is important to note that allergic rhinitis is not a cold (infectious rhinitis). Cold symptoms and allergy symptoms are often similar, and diagnosing an allergy can be difficult as a result. Generally allergy symptoms persist for a longer period of time than cold symptoms (more than seven days).

To test for the condition, physicians will first need to rule out other potential causes of rhinitis. This begins with a review of the patient’s medical history.

Individuals with a family medical history of allergies are more likely to suffer from allergic rhinitis, particularly those with a history of asthma or eczema. In addition, uncontrolled allergic rhinitis may lead to a worsening of asthma.

Once allergic rhinitis is suspected, the next step is to identify the specific allergens to which the patient is sensitive. This is usually accomplished through skin testing, which involves exposing the patient’s skin to possible allergens to see if a reaction (rash) occurs, but may include blood tests as well.

The best way to treat allergic rhinitis is to avoid or limit exposure to the allergen as much as possible. Avoidance techniques will vary depending on the type of allergy. For instance, people with outdoor allergies may be advised to stay indoors on days with high pollen counts and keep windows and doors closed. People with either outdoor or indoor allergies may be advised to run their air conditioners frequently and use filters capable of removing allergens (such as mold spores) from the air.

Since it is often difficult to avoid airborne substances entirely, there are several different kinds of medication available for the treatment of allergy symptoms. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers and decongestants are all effective at treating different types of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

When allergies cannot be controlled by avoidance or medications, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may be recommended. Taken over a period of months or years, these shots can help people build up a tolerance to their allergen triggers. This, in turn, can lead to the prevention or reduction of allergy symptoms. However, this form of treatment may not work at all, or may even cause a severe reaction in people who are especially sensitive to allergies.