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2-28. ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. Allergic rhinitis is a general term used to describe any allergic reaction of the nasal mucosa.
a. Non-seasonal (perennial) allergic rhinitis is an allergic rhinitis that may occur intermittently or continuously all year round. It is caused by exposure to an allergen such as house dust, animal dander, or food. It is characterized by sudden attacks of sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa with watery discharge, and itching of the eyes with lacrimation.
b. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is a seasonal variety of allergic rhinitis caused by a specific allergen such as a particular pollen. It is characterized by acute conjunctivitis with itching and lacrimation, swelling of the nasal mucosa with watery discharge, sudden attacks of sneezing, and quite often with asthmatic symptoms.
