What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose triggered by the exposure and sensitization to allergens. Symptoms resulting from this inflammation may include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, post-nasal drip, and watery itchy eyes. Allergens may be due to substances located indoors or outdoors.
The most common indoor allergens include: animal dander (cat or dog), molds, feathers, cockroaches, dust, and dust mites (“bed bugs”).
Outdoor allergens include: pollens (such as birch, oak, maple, pine, etc), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, etc), or grasses (Johnson, Kentucky blue, Bermuda, etc.)
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may be seasonal and related to outdoor allergen exposure or my be all-year-round (perennial) due to consistent exposure to indoor allergens (ie. your cat).
