Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever and Rose Fever) and Chronic Nasal Congestion

Description

Alternative Names

Risk Factors

Allergic rhinitis affects between 20 and 40 million Americans of all ages. (It is difficult to determine the true prevalence since evidence often relies on people self-reporting their own symptoms, which can be highly inaccurate.) In any cases, as with asthma and many upper respiratory infections, the incidence in allergic rhinitis is increasing. Allergies most often appear first in childhood, and allergic rhinitis is the most common chronic condition in childhood. It should be noted, however, that it can first develop at any age. About 20% of cases are due to seasonal allergies, 40% to perennial (chronic) rhinitis, and the rest are mixed.

Family History

Genetic factors are the major determinants of allergies.

• If both parents have an allergy, the risk to the child is 75%.
• If one parent is allergic, the child's chances are 50%.

It should be noted that children with allergic family members are at highest risk for allergies themselves, but they can develop in anyone.

Having Other Allergies

Having other allergies increases the risk for allergic rhinitis. Here are some examples:

• Young children who have eczema (an allergic skin reaction) have a later risk for allergic rhinitis and asthma. In fact, a family history of eczema increases the risk.
• Food allergies are associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. (Early feeding patterns, time of weaning, and introduction of solid food do not appear to affect this risk.)

Other Factors Associated with Allergies

Birth Month. Some studies report a higher risk of allergies and asthma in children both in winter months and lower risk in those born during the summer.

Breastfeeding. Some researchers suggest that the dramatic increase in asthma and allergies may be due to fewer women breastfeeding their infants. In a number of studies, including some in 2002 and 2003, breastfeeding has been associated with a lower risk for allergies and asthma--at least until age two. The effects of breastfeeding on allergy risk are unclear, however. Other studies found no effect, and some have even suggested a higher risk for allergies and asthma in children who have been breastfed. (Breastfeeding is very beneficial, in any case, for preventing early respiratory infections and is the best nutritional source in infants.)