Allergy
Allergic rhinitis is the most common. Seasonal allergic rhinitis comes and goes as various plants come into bloom. If your symptoms occur in the spring, you are probably allergic to tree pollen; in the summer, grass and weed pollens are the likely culprits; in the late summer and fall, ragweed is the most likely cause. But if your symptoms occur year-round (perennial allergic rhinitis), you are probably allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mites, mold, or animal dander.
Rhinitis can also occur without allergies. Examples include viral rhinitis (the common cold); drug-induced rhinitis (possible culprits include Viagra and the other ED pills, the alpha blockers used for benign prostatic hyperplasia, the ACE inhibitors and beta blockers used for hypertension, and aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); and hormonal rhinitis (including the "pregnant nose" experienced by some women). In some people, exercise, eating, and exposure to cold or dry air, air pollutants, or strong smells can trigger rhinitis. Inflammation is absent in nonallergic rhinitis, and the symptoms are limited to a runny, stuffy nose.
A final category of rhinitis can be particularly tricky. It's rhinitis medicamentosa, irritation of the nasal membranes caused by overuse of decongestant nasal sprays such as phenylephrine and oxymetazoline that some people use for quick relief of allergic rhinitis.
Diagnosis
Most people with allergic rhinitis can diagnose the problem themselves simply by recognizing typical symptoms. In complicated cases, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist can check for polyps and other nasal abnormalities. If it is important to identify specific allergic triggers, allergists can perform skin tests; the so-called RAST blood test can also help pin down the culprits.
Symptoms
Nearly everyone with allergic rhinitis complains of a stuffy, runny nose. Sneezing is nearly as common, and a postnasal drip can trigger coughing. Typical symptoms extend beyond the nose to include an itchy or sore throat and itchy, burning, watery eyes that may look red due to allergic conjunctivitis.
allergic rhinitis is a temporary seasonal woe, but for others, it's a year-round hassle. And for some, it can be linked to asthma, sinusitis, or other more serious problems. Because allergic rhinitis is so very common, it also adds up to an expensive proposition for American society.
If you are one of the unlucky many with allergies, you'll have to learn to deal with the problem. Avoid exposure to things that trigger symptoms. Experiment with medications to control symptoms; nonsedating antihistamines, antihistamine nasal sprays, and steroid nasal sprays are among the first-line treatments. Some men may prefer one of the many other drugs that are available, and others need combination therapy. Immunotherapy is available for particularly difficult cases.
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