Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is a form of inflammation of the lining of the nose that occurs when you breathe in allergens (allergy-causing substances). This condition is the result of the body’s overreaction in response to allergens that enter the body. For many people, allergic rhinitis may be more commonly known as allergic colds or seasonal allergies. These allergic reactions can get worse at certain seasons of the year, or develop into allergies that appear throughout the year. Hay fever is a very common condition and can affect all age groups. According to statistical data from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, there are about 10-to 30% of the world’s population who are likely to suffer from this disease. Find out more on https://www.septentrion-nwe.org/2021/10/11/handling-hay-fever-and-other-reactions/.

Most of the symptoms are very similar to those of a cold, such as a stuffy nose, itchy and swollen eyes, sneezing, and a feeling of pressure in the sinuses (small cavities inside the skull). However, unlike the common cold, allergic rhinitis is not a condition caused by a virus. In addition to causing discomfort, allergic rhinitis can have long-lasting effects that affect performance and daily life. However, you can prevent rhinitis from recurring by avoiding allergens and taking proper allergy medication.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis also have a lot in common with the common cold. However, there are differences between the two, namely:

Allergic rhinitis, causing a runny nose with liquid mucus, and no fever. Symptoms will continue as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
The common cold causes a runny nose with a yellowish liquid or thick liquid. There are also symptoms of fever and aches and pains that appear three days after being exposed to the virus.

Allergic rhinitis can occur in all age groups, including infants. Symptoms usually appear after the baby is exposed to allergens such as dust and mites or after consuming cow’s milk.

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis that often appear in infants include:

skin reactions such as itching and redness,
swelling of the lips, face, and around the eyes,
digestive system disorders, such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, constipation,
runny or stuffy nose, and
the appearance of eczema symptoms.