Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)
Allergic Rhinitis can be a fancy name for hay fever. Rhinitis itself is defined as inflamed nasal tissues. The allergic reaction causes a variety of symptoms usually related to the mucous membranes of the nose throat, sinuses and lungs. Some of the more obvious symptoms are nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy runny nose, red irritated eyes, wheezing, headache, coughing and others. Itching of the nose, eyes and throat can also be symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
This tends to be considered a seasonal allergy, where people react to a variety of airborne particles. Initially it was thought by the medical community that hay fever was primarily a pollen allergy, however in recent years all the causative allergens are being lumped together with only vague descriptive separations such as indoor and outdoor allergens.
There is a huge variety of allergens that can cause allergic rhinitis. Some of the most common are pollen from trees, flowers and grasses, molds, houseplants, air pollution, animal dander, dust mites, fumes from paint, gasoline, and perfumes, and cigarette smoke.
Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine)
Feb 15, 2007
Cetirizine, which is sold under the trade name, Zyrtec, is a non-sedating second generation antihistamine. An antihistamine prevents sneezing, wheezing, itching of the nasal passages, and itching of the eyes caused by allergic symptoms. Continue reading…
