Allergic Rhinitis Quiz

True. Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for hay fever. Symptoms involve the nose, throat, eyes, ears, skin or roof of the mouth. This condition is called seasonal allergic rhinitis when symptoms happen during certain seasons of the year (typically spring and fall). When symptoms are year-round, the medical term for hay fever is perennial allergic rhinitis, or it is sometimes referred to as indoor allergies.

Hay. Hay fever symptoms are not typically triggered by hay, nor does hay fever cause a fever. So the term "allergic rhinitis" is a much better description.

False. At least one out of three people with nasal symptoms do not have allergies. Viruses such as a cold, bacterial infections, or irritants such as smoke, strong odors, cleaning solutions can lead to nasal symptoms, but these are not allergic responses.

If you have an allergy, your immune system mistakes an otherwise harmless substance as an invader. This substance is called an allergen. The immune system overreacts to the allergen by producing Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies travel to cells that release histamine and other chemicals, causing an allergic reaction.

True. The most common causes of allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy) are seasonal allergens such as pollen and mold spores. Indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander can cause eye allergies year-round.

Typical eye allergy symptoms include:

• Watery eyes
• Itchiness
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness
• Grittiness
• Eyelid swelling

These symptoms can occur alone or with nasal symptoms.

All of the above. A doctor should perform a physical exam and ask questions about when and where your symptoms occur, and consider your family's medical history. If allergies are suspected, allergy testing by an expert such as an allergist / immunologist can determine which, if any, allergens are responsible for triggering your symptoms.

It depends. Avoidance is the best way to prevent allergy symptoms from occurring, but avoiding allergens such as pollen or pet dander isn't always feasible.

Antihistamines often help for short-term relief of symptoms. While over the counter medications might ease mild symptoms, newer classes of antihistamines prescribed by a physician tend to have fewer side effects.

In some studies, nasal corticosteroid sprays are more effective than the other medications to temporarily treat symptoms. This medication is different from the "steroids" connected with those misused in sports. Corticosteroids have been proven safe and effective for use in allergic rhinitis.

Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a long-term treatment approach that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy. Allergy shots often lead to lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped.

You and your allergist / immunologist can determine which treatment approach is right for you.

False. It is best to start taking allergy medications before pollen and other spring or fall allergens are in the air. Taking medications early can prevent or lessen symptoms.

True: Both children and adults can receive allergy shots, although it is not typically recommended for children under age five. When considering allergy shots for an older adult, medical conditions such as cardiac disease should be taken into consideration.

False. It's hard to escape allergy triggers. Many forms of pollen (especially grasses) and mold spores are common to most plant zones in the United States, so moving to avoid allergy triggers is not recommended. Also, your immune system may find new allergens to react to in new environments.

It depends. Moisture from a humidifier can soothe dry sinus passages. However, dust and mold from the humidifier may do more harm than good. It is important to clean and change the filter in the humidifier on a regular basis so mold does not grow in the unit and blow into the home. If possible, use distilled or de-mineralized water in the humidifier. This is because the higher level of minerals in tap water can increase bacteria growth, resulting in a white dust and additional irritation.

True. Tracking pollen and mold levels in your region can help determine when to avoid being outdoors during peak pollen times. The National Allergy Bureau^TM (NAB) provides the most accurate and reliable pollen and mold levels. The AAAAI also offers a mobile pollen app. Visit pollen.aaaai.org from your iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry or Android and add this app to your home screen.