What is allergic rhinitis?

A blocked, itchy or runny nose and sneezing are the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which can often also involve itchy and watery eyes.

And it’s estimated that over 500 million people worldwide are affected. Research shows allergic rhinitis can cause tiredness, headaches and disrupted sleep, which then affect the ability to work, study and socialize. What’s more, family and friends often don’t understand just how much of an impact it can have  on everyday life.

So what is the best way to manage allergic rhinitis?

Seasonal or perennial?

Allergic rhinitis happens when the nose comes into contact with an allergen in the air. An allergen is a substance, such as pollen, that causes an allergy. This triggers a reaction in certain cells of the body, called mast cells, which help protect the body from invaders. When confronted with a substance like pollen, these cells react aggressively and release different chemicals, such as histamine, that make the lining of the inside of the nose inflamed. The end result can be a runny nose and sneezing.

Allergic rhinitis is broadly divided into two kinds, which relate to the type of allergies:

• Seasonal. With seasonal allergic rhinitis, the triggering allergens are those that are around primarily during the summer months, such as pollens and certain moulds.  Seasonal allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever. In general, the pollen season in New Zealand lasts from August to March.
• Perennial. In this case, the triggering allergens are around throughout the year, such as house dust mites, animal dander (tiny particles from feather, fur or skin) or moulds. Some people find that allergens at work cause problems. These include wood dust and chemicals.

The symptoms are the same whichever type of allergic rhinitis you have. A blocked nose (also called nasal congestion) can be the most bothersome symptom. Many people with allergic rhinitis find some symptoms, such as a blocked or runny nose, are worse in the morning.

Medication to help manage your symptom

Although the best way to manage allergic rhinitis is to avoid those things that trigger symptoms, such as pollen or the house dust mite, this is not always possible. So there may be times when medication may be needed to help manage the symptoms.

There are a number of over-the-counter options suitable for treating different symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis:

• Antihistamines. These are medicines that block the action of histamine that is involved in the allergic reaction and are effective in helping to relieve symptoms. They are available as oral and topical dose forms (e.g. sprays or drops applied directly into the nose). Topical antihistamines can help ease the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis and are as effective as tablets.
• Decongestants. These medicines, which may be in the form of tablets or a nasal spray, work best in easing a blocked or runny nose by reducing swelling in the nasal passage, but can be less effective on other symptoms. Sometimes oral decongestants are combined with pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to give relief from any accompanying pain.
• Intranasal corticosteroids. These medicines are sprayed into the nose and work by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals such as histamine. Intranasal corticosteroids are said to be the most effective treatment for most symptoms, but you may have to use them for a few days to get the maximum benefit. 
• Eye Drops. Antihistamine eye drops can help to relieve eye symptoms.

Learning what triggers allergic rhinitis is key to taking control. If minimizing contact with common triggers and using medications in accordance with the label doesn’t provide relief, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.