Discover Symptoms and Treatments for Chronic Allergic Rhinitis

Chronic Allergic Rhinitis

Doctors may use the term "chronic allergic rhinitis" when symptoms of allergic rhinitis are present throughout the year.

Chronic allergic rhinitis may also be referred to as persistent or perennial allergic rhinitis. The condition may be further classified according to the severity of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

The allergens that are most likely associated with allergic rhinitis are: dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mold or other indoor allergens. Outdoor allergens are more likely when symptoms of allergic rhinitis are experienced seasonally.

However, people who suffer from chronic allergic rhinitis may have a number of allergies, both indoor and outdoor.

When symptoms are experienced in the spring, the allergens are usually tree pollens. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis that occur in the summer are typically caused by grass and weed pollens.

If symptoms of the condition are experienced in the late summer or fall, the culprit allergens are probably ragweed, tumbleweed, sage or other weed pollens. Those who suffer from chronic allergic rhinitis may be sensitive to some or all of these pollens.

Now, what are the symptoms themselves?

The common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, itchy nose, ears, throat and itchy and/or watery eyes. People who suffer from chronic allergic rhinitis may be troubled by headaches, sinusitis and/or frequent sinus infections, as well as the common symptoms just mentioned.

Sneezing repeatedly upon awakening is one of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and may be experienced by those who suffer from seasonal or chronic allergic rhinitis.

Although coughing is not usually associated with allergic rhinitis, post-nasal drip, which occurs when nasal fluids drain into the throat, may trigger coughing, because of the tickly, itchy effect.

Treatment for the symptoms of this condition varies depending on their severity. Even in cases of chronic allergic rhinitis, symptoms are considered mild if they do not interfere with sleep, work or school.

If the symptoms are mild, then over the counter medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants or eye drops may be effective. Many over the counter antihistamines cause drowsiness, however.

It is for this reason that those who suffer from chronic allergic rhinitis or moderate to severe seasonal symptoms may seek prescription medications including non-drowsy formulas of antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis are classified as moderate to severe if they interfere with work, school, sleep or are very bothersome.

Allergy shots may be recommended for the treatment of chronic allergic rhinitis or for the control of severe symptoms.

Chronic versions of allergic rhinitis may lead to the development of asthma in some cases, particularly in children, and allergy shots are sometime chosen to avoid this possibility.

While the first choice for treating symptoms is to avoid known allergens, in some cases this is difficult or impossible, making allergy shots more desirable. Allergy shots may also be recommended if prescription medications cause unwanted side effects or are not effectively controlling symptoms.

Allergy shots work by allowing the body to become accustomed to allergens over time. However, be forewarned: the symptoms of allergic rhinitis may not be completely alleviated by allergy shots. Indeed, a reduction of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis may not be noticed for a full year and shots may be needed for three to five years.

Those who suffer chronically from allergic rhinitis and are allergic to a number of different things may need more shots than someone who is allergic to one thing or a group of related things. Before allergy shots can be used for the treatment of seasonal or chronic allergic rhinitis, skin tests must be performed to determine allergens.

There is evidence, both scientific and anecdotal, that mangosteen juice can relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Scientific research has shown that certain components of the mangosteen are anti-inflammatory and histamine blocking, thereby supporting the use of mangosteen juice for many people who are seeking to lessen the severity of symptoms of chronic rhinitis.

In addition, some people who have suffered from chronic rhinitis for years have experienced complete relief from symptoms after using mangosteen juice.