| Rhinitis
is defined as inflammation of the nasal membranes and is characterized
by a symptom complex that consists of any combination of the
following: sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal itching, and
rhinorrhea. The eyes, ears, sinuses, and throat can also be
involved. Allergic rhinitis is the most common cause of rhinitis.
It is an extremely common condition, affecting approximately
20% of the population.
Frequency
United States
Allergic rhinitis affects approximately 40
million people in the United States. Recent US figures suggest
a 20% cumulative prevalence rate.
International
Scandinavian studies have demonstrated a cumulative
prevalence rate of 15% in men and 14% in women. The prevalence
of allergic rhinitis may vary within and among countries.
This may be due to geographic differences in the types and
potency of different allergens and the overall aeroallergen
burden.
Mortality/Morbidity
While allergic rhinitis itself is not life
threatening (unless accompanied by severe asthma or anaphylaxis),
morbidity from the condition can be significant. Allergic
rhinitis often coexists with other disorders, such as asthma,
and may be associated with asthma exacerbations.
It is also associated with otitis media, eustachian
tube dysfunction, sinusitis, nasal polyps, allergic conjunctivitis,
and atopic dermatitis. Allergic rhinitis may also contribute
to learning difficulties, sleep disorders, and fatigue.
* A number of complications that can lead
to increased morbidity or even mortality can occur secondary
to allergic rhinitis. Possible complications include otitis
media, eustachian tube dysfunction, acute sinusitis, and chronic
sinusitis.*
* Allergic rhinitis can be associated with
a number of comorbid conditions, including asthma, atopic
dermatitis, and nasal polyps. Evidence now suggests that uncontrolled
allergic rhinitis can actually worsen the inflammation associated
with asthma or atopic dermatitis. This could lead to further
morbidity and even mortality.*
* Allergic rhinitis can frequently lead to
significant impairment of quality of life. Symptoms such as
fatigue, drowsiness (due to the disease or to medications),
and malaise can lead to impaired work and school performance,
missed school or work days, and traffic accidents. The overall
cost (direct and indirect) of allergic rhinitis was recently
estimated to be $5.3 billion per year.
Allergic rhinitis occurs in persons of all
races. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis seems to vary among
different populations and cultures, which may be due to genetic
differences, geographic factors or environmental differences,
or other population-based factors.
In childhood, allergic rhinitis is more common
in boys than in girls, but in adulthood, the prevalence is
approximately equal between men and women.
Onset of allergic rhinitis is common in childhood,
adolescence, and early adult years, with a mean age of onset
8-11 years, but allergic rhinitis may occur in persons of
any age. In 80% of cases, allergic rhinitis develops by age
20 years.
The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has been
reported to be as high as 40% in children, subsequently decreasing
with age. In the geriatric population, rhinitis is less commonly
allergic in nature.
Seriousness
of Allergy Rhinitis | Perennial
Allergic Rhinitis |
Relieving
Toddler Nasal Congestion |
Non-Allergic
Rhinitis| Causes
of Allergic rhinitis| Treatment
of Allergic rhinitis|
History
of Allergic rhinitis| Abnormal
production of nasal secretions|
Allergic
Rhinitis in Children|
How
can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?|
What
are rhinitis and post-nasal drip?
|
