Suffering from nose allergy? Here's what might be the cause and how you can deal with it

By Dr GVK Chaitanya Rao

Allergic rhinitis is a group of symptoms affecting the nose. These symptoms occur when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as dust, animal dander or pollen.

Allergic rhinitis is of two types: seasonal (allergic symptoms experienced only during a particular time period of the year when allergens such as pollen etc. are high in atmosphere) and perennial (when allergic symptoms are present throughout the year).

Causes of nasal allergy
When our body comes in contact with an allergen (a substance which produces allergic reaction), a chemical called histamine, among many other chemicals, is produced. This chemical is primarily responsible for producing allergic symptoms.

Genetic predisposition (hereditary) plays an important part. Chances of children developing allergy if one or both parents suffer from allergies are 20% and 47%, respectively.



Symptoms of nasal allergy
Symptoms that occur shortly after you come into contact with the substance you are allergic to may include:

- Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, throat, skin or any other area
- Runny nose and watering eyes
- Sneezing



Symptoms that may develop later include:

- Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Clogged ears and decreased sense of smell
- Sore throat
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Puffiness under the eyes
- Headache

—The writer is MD, Dr Rao’s ENT Hospital, Hyderabad