Do you often find yourself sneezing continuously and brushing it off as a common cold? Be cautious—this may not be just a passing infection but a sign of allergic rhinitis, a condition linked directly to your immune system. Allergic rhinitis is a chronic allergic reaction where the body overreacts to usually harmless substances like dust, pollen, animal dander, mold, or smoke. According to Dr. Manish Arya, an ENT specialist in Delhi, frequent sneezing can be a clear indicator of this condition and should not be ignored.
When a person with allergic rhinitis is exposed to an allergen, their body mistakes it as a threat and triggers an immune response—leading to symptoms like constant sneezing, nasal congestion or discharge, watery or itchy eyes, sore throat, fatigue, and even sleep disturbances. Unlike the common cold, which is viral and usually resolves within a few days, allergic rhinitis tends to be persistent and may recur seasonally or year-round, depending on the trigger.
One of the key ways to differentiate between the common cold and allergic rhinitis is the duration and recurrence of symptoms. Colds are short-lived and self-limiting, while allergic rhinitis can linger and keep returning if not treated properly. To identify the specific allergen responsible, doctors often recommend a Skin Prick Test (SPT). This quick and reliable test introduces a small amount of suspected allergens into the skin, and if there's a reaction—like a small, itchy bump—it confirms the allergy.
While nasal sprays and antihistamines help control the symptoms, they do not offer a long-term cure. For persistent cases, immunotherapy is the most effective treatment. In this therapy, the body is gradually exposed to small doses of the allergen, either through injections or sublingual tablets/drops, helping it build tolerance over time. Importantly, this treatment does not rely on steroids or antihistamines, making it a safer long-term solution with minimal side effects.
If allergic rhinitis is not managed properly, it can lead to complications like asthma, chronic sinus issues, sleep problems, or ear infections, especially in children. So, if you experience repeated sneezing, nasal irritation, or eye discomfort, it’s advisable not to ignore the signs. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can provide lasting relief and prevent more serious health concerns down the line.
