Allergic Rhinosinusitis: What It Is and How It Manifests

The diagnosis "allergic rhinosinusitis" sounds more serious than what you feel: a familiar runny nose, only caused not by a virus but by an allergen. Let's go step by step — what lies behind the term, how it manifests, and at what point it's time to see a doctor.

What allergic rhinosinusitis is

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by allergens, based on an immediate-type allergic reaction. It manifests as swelling and nasal congestion, discharge, itching, and repeated sneezing. In reference descriptions, this condition is usually called allergic rhinitis.

According to the ARIA classification, rhinitis can be intermittent — up to 4 days a week and up to 4 weeks a year — and persistent if symptoms last longer. A seasonal variant is distinguished separately, when the cause is pollen, and a year-round variant — with allergy to animal dander or house dust. In Russia, 12.7% to 24% of people suffer from it depending on the region.

Why allergic rhinitis develops

Triggers are pollen of trees, grasses, and weeds, house dust, fungal spores, animal dander, wood and flour dust, latex. Symptoms usually appear within a few minutes after contact with what you are allergic to. Strong odors and cold air can also provoke an exacerbation.

The likelihood is higher if there is already allergy, eczema, or asthma in the family. When both parents have atopic diseases, the risk for a child reaches 70%; if one parent does — at least 50%.

Symptoms of allergic rhinosinusitis

The picture resembles a cold: sneezing, nasal itching, watery discharge or congestion, cough. Added to this are itching, redness, and tearing of the eyes, itching of the palate, dark circles under the eyes, and postnasal drip.

How allergic rhinitis differs from a cold and non-allergic rhinitis

• Allergic variant: the nose, palate, and eyes itch, the eyes become red and watery, sneezing occurs in bouts — and all this within minutes after contact with the allergen.
• Non-allergic rhinitis: the symptoms are the same, but the cause is a cold, very hot or very cold air, humidity; there is no reaction to a specific allergen.
• Seasonal and year-round rhinitis: seasonal is associated with plant flowering, year-round — with the constant presence of an allergen, such as animal dander or house dust.

How allergic rhinosinusitis is diagnosed

The doctor asks about symptoms and examines the nose — this is rhinoscopy. Next, an allergological examination is possible: skin tests and specific IgE. Laboratory clues are the number of eosinophils in a peripheral blood smear, the level of total IgE, and cytology of nasal secretions. Sometimes the diagnosis is made based on examination and symptoms, without tests. A referral to a specialist is made if it is unclear what is causing the symptoms, or if they are severe.

When to see a doctor

If you have asthma and it worsens, this is a reason to see a doctor. A doctor is also consulted if symptoms intensify, if symptoms interfere with sleep and daily life, if it is unclear what is causing the reaction, and if treatment does not help.

This condition by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — for life-threatening conditions, for example, sudden severe deterioration of the condition.

The material is for reference: it helps to understand what is being discussed, but does not replace a doctor's consultation — it is better to sort out a nose that lives its own life all season together with a specialist.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer