Broadcast: Thursday 06 April 2006 09:00 PM |
What is allergic rhinitis and how is it caused?
Allergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis means inflammation of the nose. It can be caused by:
- viral or bacterial infection
- injury
- sensitivity to changes in temperature
- spices
- alcohol
- allergies.
Many people have persistent allergic rhinitis. They have symptoms all year, either constantly or intermittently. Some think that they 'always have a cold', with head congestion, runny nose, headaches and often loss of smell and taste.
Allergic rhinitis also affects 80% of people with asthma, and 50% of people with allergic rhinitis have asthma. Usually allergic rhinitis is not diagnosed or treated, although there is evidence that treating rhinitis can significantly improve asthma symptoms.
Share this article
Sign up to FactCheck »
Subscribe to the FactCheck email service and receive regular updates straight to your inbox.
