Allergic rhinitis is sometimes called “hay fever” or “seasonal allergies,” although it can be caused by nonseasonal substances as well. Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation in the nose (rhinitis) that occurs when you are exposed to a substance you are allergic to. The term “allergic rhinitis” does not refer to all kinds of allergies you may have. For example, food allergies and allergies to medications do not typically cause allergic rhinitis.

“Allergies” is a general term that refers to a reaction the body has to allergens. Allergens are substances that are generally not harmful to the body. However, if you have allergies, the immune system thinks allergens are dangerous and tries to fight them off like it would any other intruder, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Having allergies, therefore, means the immune system is overactive. In other words, the immune system is doing something it is normally supposed to do but the reaction is exaggerated, unnecessary, and even harmful to the body. In medical terminology, this overreaction is called a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction.

There are many different kinds of allergies that differ based on the part of the body affected and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, allergies may cause a small rash or runny nose. In other cases, allergies can be life-threatening. Types of allergies include allergic rhinitis (inflammation in the nose), contact dermatitis (an allergic reaction on the skin), allergic asthma (a specific type of asthma), and anaphylaxis (a life-threatening condition that involves swelling of the airways).

There are many different allergens that affect the body. These include foods, plants, animals, metals, chemicals, medications, and more. Some allergens are known as airborne allergens because they are present in the air. The most common airborne allergens include tree pollens, grass pollens, weed pollens, pet dander, and molds. Dust mites and cockroach allergens are also common and may be airborne, however they settle more quickly than the other airborne allergens.

Roman only offers treatment for allergic rhinitis, which is caused by airborne allergens. However, there are many other common allergens you may have. The most common food allergens are fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat, soy, and milk. These allergens always need to be labeled on food if they are present. Other allergens you may have heard of include:

1. Insect venom (e.g. getting stung by a bee)
2. Nickel (e.g. getting a rash after wearing certain jewelry)
3. Latex (e.g. getting a rash when coming into contact with latex)
4. Medications (e.g. getting hives after taking penicillin)

Allergic rhinitis is typically caused by allergens that are airborne. These are roughly divided into outdoor airborne allergens and indoor airborne allergens. Common airborne allergens found outdoors include tree pollens, grass pollens, and weed pollens. Common airborne allergens found indoors include animal dander, dust mites, and mold.

Outdoor allergens are usually seasonal because plants release pollen at certain times of the year. Spring allergies are commonly due to tree pollens. Late spring and summer allergies are commonly due to grass pollens. Late summer and autumn allergies are commonly due to weed pollens, such as ragweed pollen. In fact, ragweed pollen is one of the primary causes of allergic rhinitis and 75% of people with pollen allergies are allergic to ragweed.

Indoor allergens may be present throughout the year. However, certain situations can make indoor allergies worse. For example, animal dander allergies may be worse in the winter because pets may spend more time indoors and there is less circulating fresh air. And mold allergies may be worse if there is a very rainy spring season.

Researchers aren’t sure why some people develop allergies and others do not. What we do know is that the tendency to develop allergies is genetic. This means if your family members have allergies, you are more likely to have them as well. Additionally, certain allergic conditions commonly occur together. Known as the “atopic triad,” these conditions are allergic rhinitis, eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), and allergic asthma.