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Allergic rhinitis - Background information
What is it?
- Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory disorder of the nose which occurs when the membranes lining the nose become sensitized to allergens:
- Sensitization to an allergen results in the production of immunoglobulin (Ig) E which is specific to that allergen. This IgE binds to the surface of mast cells in the lining of the nose.
- Re-exposure to the allergen results in allergen binding to IgE on the surface of mast cells. This triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators from the mast cells.
- Histamine and other inflammatory mediators act on cells, nerve endings, and blood vessels to produce sneezing, itching, nasal discharge (rhinorrhoea), and nasal obstruction.
- Allergic rhinitis is associated with the development of allergic conjunctivitis and asthma.
[ARIA, 2001a]
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