Year-round allergic rhinitis is usually due to domestic pets, molds and the house dust mite. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis and 45.5 million suffer from upper respiratory tract allergies. A family history of allergy predisposes a person to an increased risk of allergic rhinitis that usually begins during childhood or adolescence. The major complications of untreated allergic rhinitis are ear infections, sinusitis and poorly controlled asthma. The economic impact of allergic rhinitis is also enormous.
Treatment includes avoidance, and if insufficient, medication.
People with mild symptoms may need only an occasional over the counter antihistamine or a preventive nasal spray such as Nasalcrom. The choice between the various medications needs to be made by the physician in collaboration with the patient's preference and tolerance, depending on severity of symptoms. Adequate treatment allows patients to lead a normal life with minimal side effects. Allergy is a major factor in asthma, but not the only one. The symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing.