This condition occurs when the body's immune system over-responds to specific, non-infectious particles such as plant pollens, molds, dust mites, animal hair, industrial chemicals (including tobacco smoke), foods, medicines, and insect venom. Essentially, during an allergic attack, antibodies, primarily immunoglobin E (IgE), attach to mast cells in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. Once IgE connects with the mast cells, a number of chemicals are released. One of the chemicals, histamine, opens the blood vessels and causes skin redness and swollen membranes. When this occurs in the nose, sneezing and congestion are the result.
Posted by Dr. Todd Weiss September 25th, 2019
Allergic rhinitis is a type of inflammation affecting the nose that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens in the air. Nasal signs and symptoms include a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Ocular symptoms include red, itchy, and watery eyes, and sometimes swelling around the eyes.
