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Rhinitis and Hay Fever, what is the
difference?
Rhinitis is the name given to a
group of conditions that are caused by inflammation of the lining of the nose.
There are a variety of types and not all are caused by allergy. All tend to cause a constant set of symptoms, whatever the cause. These include
nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, sneezing and post-nasal drip or phlegm. Hay Fever
is the popular name given to the kind of rhinitis that occurs only during the spring or
summer.
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Rhinitis |
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Hay Fever |
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Rhinitis
whether caused by allergy or not, is of
considerable importance. It affects one person in four and it impairs peoples quality of life more than
uncomplicated asthma (although many asthmatics have the symptoms of both conditions).
The economic costs of rhinitis are high, 30% of the workforce may be affected by it to
some degree. even though many may think they are simply prone to frequent 'colds'.
Allergy investigations may be the only way to be sure.
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Hay Fever
is usually caused by an allergic reaction to the pollen from grasses,
plants and trees and in some cases fungal spores. A person suffering from hay fever may be
allergic to one, several or many types of pollen. Symptoms
include sneezing, runny itching eyes and nose, sore throat, headache and tiredness. The correct name for hay fever is
seasonal allergic rhinitis, rhinitis caused by
allergy and occurring only during the pollen season.
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Sinusitis
Viral and allergic rhinitis are more often than not
complicated by varying degrees of sinusitis, a condition that can itself become chronic
(persistent).
Therefore, in reality, rhinitis and sinusitis very often co-exist (some experts say that you
cannot have one without the other), hence the term rhinosinusitis. Recent
research has now shown us that the majority of asthmatics suffer varying degrees of
rhinosinusitis, an association that suggests that there are likely to be common environmental
(including allergic) causes.
However when you consider that the
respiratory tract is made up of not only the lungs, bronchi and trachea but also the nose, sinuses and throat, then this is perhaps not
surprising. The connection is an important one, as for those asthmatics who are unaware
of their chronic rhinosinusitis, an important area for treatment is ignored. There is
no doubt that the effective diagnosis and treatment of rhino-sinusitis is of enormous benefit
to many asthmatics. This important connection has now been officially recognised; and an
international set of guidelines has been produced, sponsored by the World Health
Organisation. The full set of guidelines can be examined by following this link:
ARIA - Allergic
Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma
Other Associated Conditions
In addition to asthma and sinusitis,
rhinitis is also strongly associated with pharyngitis, otitis media (ear infections), chest
infections and, in some people, sleep problems.
Recommended Reading:
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Allergy Clinic
