Air-Borne Allergens: 20 percent of Americans are Affected

Two out of five Americans are subjected to air-borne allergies, whose main symptom is rhinitis. Rhinitis is the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Tymptoms include sneezing, and a runny nose.

Allergic Rhinitis occurs when the body’s immune system over-responds to specific, non-infectious particles found in the air (e.g. pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, tobacco smoke). During an allergic attack, antibodies, primarily immunoglobin E (IgE), attach to mast cells (cells that release histamine) in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. This causes a number of chemicals to be released. Histamine is one of the principle chemicals, which causes the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis or hayfever occurs in late summer or spring. Ragweed (not hay) causes the notorious hay fever that affects the majority of Americans who have airborne allergies. Other inducers are tree pollen in the spring time, and/or mold spores in the fall. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs year-round.

Non-Allergic Rhinitis: This form of rhinitis does not depend on the presence of IgE and is not due to an allergic reaction. The symptoms can be triggered by cigarette smoke and other pollutants as well as strong odors, alcoholic beverages, and cold. Other causes may include blockages in the nose, a deviated septum, infections, and over-use of medications such as decongestants.

Allergic rhinitis, due to the chronic inflammation of the nasal and sinus passages, can result in chronic sinusitis, and is a major complication.

Please read the links below to learn more about this ubiquitous disorder.