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Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a collection of symptoms, predominantly in the nose and eyes, caused by allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen. The sensitized immune system produces antibodies to these allergens, which cause chemicals called histamines to be released into the bloodstream, causing itching, swelling of affected tissues, mucus production, hives, rashes, and other symptoms. Symptoms vary in severity from person to person. Hay fever is a common example of allergic rhinitis.

Reviewed last on: 7/21/2009
A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School (5/25/2009).

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