Definition & Etiology

Definition

Allergic rhinitis: Ige-mediated condition causing nasal symptoms

Pattern: 

• Intermittent: <4 weeks or <4 days/week
• Persistent: >4 weeks or >4 days/week

Severity: 

• Mild
• Moderate
• Severe

Prevalence

• 50% of the world’s population affected
• Pre-puberty: more common in males
• Post-puberty: more common in females

Etiology

Types:

• Allergic
• Seasonal triggers (spring/autumn)
• Animal dander
• Dust mites
• Occupational causes
• Non-allergic
• Occupational causes
• Medications: alpha/beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs, aspirin, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, cocaine
• Endocrine: pregnancy, hypothyroidism, HRT, COCP
• Foods: alcohol, spicy foods
• Structural/systemic: cystic fibrosis
• Infective
• Viral URTI
• Mixed