Allergy is an abnormal reaction or increased sensitivity to certain substances or "allergens." The allergic individual produces symptoms when exposed to these substances, which are harmless to non-allergic people. Many people have few, if any, allergies (except perhaps to having to work inside on a beautiful, sunny day!). Others are so incredibly allergic that merely taking an aspirin or getting stung by a bee can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. |
Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis. It is a very common condition, characterized by sneezing, itching and nasal discharge from the nasal cavity (nose). This usually occurs due to the exposure of nasal cavity of the human being to allergens in the atmosphere like pollens (seeds), animal hair, fungal moulds on buildings, dust in bed linen etc. When allergy occurs during certain seasons of the year, it is called seasonal allergic rhinitis. When it occurs throughout the year it is called perennial allergic rhinitis. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening condition, complications can occur and the condition can significantly impair quality of life, which leads to a number of indirect costs. |
