Prognosis:

Seasonal allergic rhinitis tends to diminish as a person ages. The earlier the symptoms start, the greater the chances for improvement. People who develop hay fever in early childhood tend not to have the allergy in adulthood. In some cases, allergies go into remission for years and then return later in life. People who develop allergies after age 20, however, tend to continue to have hay fever at least into middle age.

People with allergic rhinitis may be at higher risk for other allergies, including potentially serious food or latex allergies.

Quality of Life

Although allergic rhinitis is not considered a serious condition, it nonetheless can interfere with many important aspects of life. Surveys of nasal allergy sufferers report that symptoms such as feeling tired (80%), miserable (65%), or irritable (62%) are present in one half to three quarters of patients. Interference with work performance is present in around 50% of allergy sufferers.

People with allergic rhinitis, particularly those with perennial allergic rhinitis, may experience sleep disorders and daytime fatigue. Often they attribute this to medication, but studies suggest congestion may be the culprit in these symptoms. Patients who have severe allergic rhinitis tend to have worse sleep problems than those with mild allergic rhinitis.

Higher Risk for Asthma, Eczema, Nasal Polyps

Asthma and allergies often coexist, and the allergic response plays a strong role in childhood asthma. About 70 - 85% of children with asthma also have allergies. Aggressive treatment of allergies in children with asthma can lower the risk for asthma attacks. Treating allergies in children may also help prevent the onset of asthma. Patients with allergies also have a higher risk for eczema and nasal polyps.

Chronic Swelling in the Nasal Passages (Turbinate Hypertrophy)

Any chronic rhinitis, whether allergic or nonallergic, can cause swelling in the turbinate, which may become persistent (turbinate hypertrophy). The turbinate is a tiny shelf-like bony structure that protrudes in the nasal passageways. It helps warm, humidify, and clean the air that passes over it. If turbinate hypertrophy develops, it causes persistent nasal congestion and, sometimes, pressure and headache in the middle of the face and forehead. This condition may require surgery.

Complications of Chronic Rhinitis in Children

• Children with severe allergies may have a higher risk for behavioral problems than those without allergies.
• Some research suggests that allergic rhinitis is responsible for 2 million missed school days each year.
• Chronic nasal obstruction from year-round allergies can affect a child's appearance. If a child can only breathe through the mouth, the continual force of air passing through the oral cavity can cause changes in facial development. Such changes may include an elongated face and an overbite from teeth coming in at an abnormal angle.
• Chronic rhinitis can cause headaches and also affect a child's sleep, concentration, hearing, appetite, and growth.

Associations with Other Disorders

Depression. During allergy season, patients with allergies are more likely to experience mood changes, including sadness, lethargy, and mental fatigue, than at other times. Some evidence suggests that specific immune factors in the allergic response can cause depressive symptoms. Other research indicates that both may have a common cause.