Key facts:
- Rhinitis, or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose, is often classified simply as allergic or nonallergic rhinitis. Though all types of rhinitis fall into one of these two categories, there are many variations of the nonallergic form.
- Allergic rhinitis, or “hay fever,” is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander. It may produce sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchiness in the nose, throat, eyes, and ears.
- Nonallergic rhinitis, or irritant rhinitis, is a condition of unknown origin which seems to be aggravated by fumes, odors, temperature and atmospheric changes, smoke, and other irritants. This form of rhinitis, which usually afflicts adults, causes year-round symptoms that include congestion and headache.
Statistics:
- At least 35.9 million people in the United States have seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever).
- Approximately 16.7 million office visits to health care providers each year are attributed to allergic rhinitis.
- Immunotherapy is ultimately successful in up to 90% of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis and in 70 to 80% with perennial allergic rhinitis.
- The estimated overall costs of allergic rhinitis in the United States in 1996 totaled $6 billion.
New research:
How allergic rhinitis results when there is an allergic inflammatory response to a substance, like pollen or mold, which enters the nose. (JACI Dec. 2003; Larry Borish, MD, FAAAAI).
*DISCLAIMER
This site is not meant to diagnose your condition. The information here does not necessarily pertain to all individuals and should not replace the advice of your physician. Please contact your doctor with any questions.