Allergies and seasonal allergic rhinitis are characterized by a variety of symptoms that mainly involve the mucus membranes of the nose (nasal allergies), sinuses, and eyes. Allergic rhinitis refers to a nasal allergy, or the inflammation of the mucus membranes of the nose and sinuses. Exposure to inhaled allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen from certain seasonal plants can cause allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergy symptoms in people who are hypersensitive to such triggers. These symptoms can also be triggered by household allergens such as pet dander and house dust mites.
The Allergies Condition Guide will help you better understand allergies and their symptoms. Allergies affect many people. Often, symptoms are seasonal; allergic rhinitis may occur during the spring, summer, or fall. A person with these types of allergies is most likely sensitive to certain particles carried in the air. Airborne allergens can include pollens produced by trees and from plants in bloom. When the allergens enter the body, they can cause the symptoms associated with seasonal allergies: sneezing and runny nose, as well as itchy, watery eyes. Windy, hot, dry days are more likely to cause seasonal allergy symptoms because there are large amounts of pollen floating in the air. Seasonal allergy symptoms may lessen on a damp, rainy day, when much of the pollen is washed to the ground.
Some individuals have allergies that are year round, so-called perennial allergies. These are most often caused by indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites, or mold. Whether seasonal, perennial, or both, allergy symptoms can include runny nose, sinus congestion, itching of the eyes, and itching of the roof of the mouth or back of the throat. Headache, coughing, wheezing, loss of appetite, and other symptoms may also result from allergies.
Another type of allergy is a food allergy; food allergies are most commonly triggered by eating certain nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soybeans. While food allergies can cause symptoms similar to those of seasonal allergies, more importantly, they can cause severe total body reactions that can be life-threatening. Skin allergies, called contact dermatitis, can also result from any allergen that comes in contact with the skin, such as jewelry, cosmetics, soaps and lotions.
