What is Allergic Rhinitis?

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

An “allergy” is a reaction of your immune system to otherwise harmless substances (allergens from pet dander, pollen, dust, etc.).1 Your immune system goes into fighting mode against these allergens, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, stuffy nose and itching.1-4

Allergic Rhinitis (AR), or hayfever is one of the most common chronic conditions worldwide, affecting between 10 % – 40 % of adults and children worldwide.3 The South African cohort from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) revealed a substantial and increasing prevalence among 13- to 14-year-olds – from 30.4 % in 1995 to 38.5 % in 2002.3

Symptoms:4,5

  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Watery, red eyes
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itching of the nose, mouth, eyes or throat
  • Mouth breathing

In children, common symptoms also include

  • Allergic shiners: dark circles under the eyes6,7
  • Allergic salute: continuous upward rubbing of the nose can lead to a line or crease across the bridge of the nose6,7

Causes of Allergic Rhinits

Common indoor allergens3,8

  • House dust mites
  • Cockroaches
  • Pets: dogs, cats, hamsters, budgies, rabbits,
    parrots, canaries
  • Moulds

Common outdoor allergens3,8

  • Grass, tree and weed pollens
  • Fungal spores

Allergens

Pollen

Mould Spores

Dust Mites

Animal Dander

Hayfever Symptoms

Red Eyes

Sneezing

Itchy Throat

Here’s what’s going on behind the scenes in your body:

1. Histamine:

Histamine is the main “allergy messenger” in the early phase of the allergy response.9 When allergens enter the nose, histamine is released from mast cells and causes early allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and a runny nose.9,10

2. Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF):

PAF is a key player in the late phase of the allergy response and works alongside histamine.9,10 PAF causes swelling and leakage of blood vessels in the lining of the nose, resulting in a runny and stuffy nose.9,10 PAF recruits inflammatory cells, which result in inflammation and chronic allergy symptoms.11,12 PAF is thought to play a role in priming, i.e. increasing the response to allergens.13

3. Other Inflammatory Molecules:

Other molecules like leukotrienes, prostaglandins, cytokines, and eosinophils work together to keep the allergic reaction going.10 They can increase inflammation, mucus production, and worsen swelling.10,11 The late phase is then followed by a chronic phase with ongoing inflammation.12

Impact of Allergic Rhinitis:3

  • Sleep deprivation
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Negative mood
  • Decreased concentration
  • Poor control of asthma
  • Learning problems in children

Sleep deprivation and fatigue

Decreased concentration

Learning problems

Negative mood

How long does it last?3

Allergic rhinitis can be described based on how often it happens and how much it affects your daily life:

Intermittent or Persistent:

  • If symptoms show up less than 4 days a week or last for less than 4 consecutive weeks, it’s called intermittent allergic rhinitis.
  • If symptoms happen 4 or more days a week or last longer than 4 consecutive weeks, it’s considered persistent allergic rhinitis.

Mild to Moderate/Severe:3

  • Mild allergic rhinitis means that symptoms don’t disrupt sleep, work, school, or daily activities much.
  • If symptoms make it harder to sleep, focus, or go about daily life, it’s called moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.