LET'S TALK
ALLERGIC RHINITIS
LET'S TALK
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis Defined:
Allergic Rhinitis (AR), is defined as an IgE antibody-mediated*, inflammatory disease characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system detecting a foreign substance in the body and reacting to it as a pathogenic intruder, even when the substance in question is harmless. When an allergen, such as pollen, is detected, the immune system signals for the release of histamines — which cause inflammation and boost mucus production, resulting in the classic seasonal allergy symptoms of runny nose and cough.
AR Facts & Stats:
Allergic Rhinitis (AR), is defined as an IgE antibody-mediated*, inflammatory disease characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Nasal congestion
- Rhinorrhea—runny nose (anterior and posterior)
- Sneezing and itching
Allergic reactions are caused by the immune system detecting a foreign substance in the body and reacting to it as a pathogenic intruder, even when the substance in question is harmless. When an allergen, such as pollen, is detected, the immune system signals for the release of histamines — which cause inflammation and boost mucus production, resulting in the classic seasonal allergy symptoms of runny nose and cough.
AR Facts & Stats:
- AR affects more than 400 million people globally, and the number is growing
- In developed countries, there has been a substantial increase in the prevalence of AR, with scientists reporting that over the past several decades:
- Climate change, characterized by warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels, has created the perfect storm for pollen-producing plants
- Allergens like tree pollen, mold and other spores are reproducing at higher rates and thriving for longer periods, with pollen seasons extending by as much as three weeks in some parts of North America, intensifying allergy symptoms for many throughout the longer allergy season
- AR is the most common chronic condition in children.
- 3 out of 5 Canadians with AR have poor control of their symptoms with current treatments.
- The vast majority of people living with AR do not know that lymphatic massage is an safe, natural and effective way to manage their symptoms.
According to the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation, one in every four or five Canadians (approx. 9.4 million people) has allergic rhinitis (also referred to as “hay fever”).
AR's Impact on Quality of Life:
Many patients “suffer in silence” diminishing and not discussing their allergy symptoms and the impact they have on their quality of life because they:
Also, many patients do not recognize that some symptoms they experience are related to their allergies. In addition to the typical symptoms (i.e. sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, itchy nose), these symptoms may also be due to allergies:
Additionally, conditions that may be exacerbated by allergies include:
* Antibodies are proteins that protect you when an unwanted substance enters your body, and are produced by the immune system. If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to an allergen by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals (histamines), causing an allergic reaction.
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SOURCES:
“Allergic Rhinitis (AR) | Haleon HealthPartner.” Haleonhealthpartner.com, 2017, www.haleonhealthpartner.com/en-ca/respiratory-health/conditions/allergic-rhinitis-conditions-home/allergic-rhinitis-overview-home/.
Rojas, Oscar. “Climate Change: Amplifying Allergy Seasons.” Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, 26 July 2023, www.beckerentandallergy.com/blog/climate-change-on-allergy-seasons#:~:text=The%20Role%20of%20Warmer%20Temperatures.
“Do Seasonal Allergies Seem to Be Getting Worse? Blame Climate Change.” AAMC, www.aamc.org/news/do-seasonal-allergies-seem-be-getting-worse-blame-climate-change.
- Believe their allergies are more of a nuisance, than a serious condition or “real disease”
- Do not know that though allergies may seem benign, they can still significantly impact their quality of life
- Are unaware that untreated allergies can increase the risk for more serious diseases, such as anaphylaxis, asthma, sinusitis, altered mood, and cognitive impairment
Also, many patients do not recognize that some symptoms they experience are related to their allergies. In addition to the typical symptoms (i.e. sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, itchy nose), these symptoms may also be due to allergies:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sinus infection
- Depression
- Sleeping problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Lack of exercise endurance
Additionally, conditions that may be exacerbated by allergies include:
- Asthma
- Upper respiratory infection
- Bronchitis
* Antibodies are proteins that protect you when an unwanted substance enters your body, and are produced by the immune system. If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts to an allergen by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals (histamines), causing an allergic reaction.
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SOURCES:
“Allergic Rhinitis (AR) | Haleon HealthPartner.” Haleonhealthpartner.com, 2017, www.haleonhealthpartner.com/en-ca/respiratory-health/conditions/allergic-rhinitis-conditions-home/allergic-rhinitis-overview-home/.
Rojas, Oscar. “Climate Change: Amplifying Allergy Seasons.” Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, 26 July 2023, www.beckerentandallergy.com/blog/climate-change-on-allergy-seasons#:~:text=The%20Role%20of%20Warmer%20Temperatures.
“Do Seasonal Allergies Seem to Be Getting Worse? Blame Climate Change.” AAMC, www.aamc.org/news/do-seasonal-allergies-seem-be-getting-worse-blame-climate-change.