Allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic illness in childhood. It usually starts as a child, and may show improvement over the years or persist into adulthood.
THE allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the mucosa of the nose, of allergic cause (reaction of hypersensitivity to certain allergens). The symptoms are triggered after exposure to some kind of allergen (dust, pollen, fungi, mites, cockroaches, animal hair), pollutants such as cigarette smoke, or even sudden climatic changes. Viral infections can also trigger or worsen seizures, as viruses cause damage to the respiratory mucosa, allowing more contact with allergens. It is often associated with ocular symptoms and is therefore called allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
The symptoms of rhinitis are:
- Congestion and nasal obstruction;
- Coriza;
- Itchy nose, eyes and mouth;
- Sneezing;
- Lacrimation;
- Nasal snores;
- Infra-ocular shading and nasal fold.
Other symptoms that may be seen:
- Cough;
- Shortness of breath;
- Oral breathing;
- Headaches;
- Hoarseness;
- Decreased taste and smell.
Allergic rhinitis has a strong influence genetic and environmental factors. Rhinitis can lead to sleep disturbances, changes in school performance or work, and lead to absences at school or at work. In addition, prolonged oral breathing may cause changes in craniofacial growth.
