Severity and Complications of Allergic Rhinitis

Long- Term Outlook.

 Seasonal allergic rhinitis tends to diminish as a person ages. In one study over half of allergic subjects reported that by 40 years of age their symptoms had decreased and 23% were symptom-free.

Risk for Asthma. Children with simple allergic rhinitis appear to be at only slightly greater risk for asthma than the general population. Studies have reported that about 1% to 10% of children with allergic rhinitis developed asthma later on. Researchers are finding that cells called eosinophils, which are produced by the immune system and are an important component in asthma, are also found in allergic rhinitis patients -- although in far lower numbers than in asthma patients. Eosinophils cause inflammation in the airways in the lung and may be a predisposing factor for developing asthma later on in some patients with allergic rhinitis.

Increased Risk for Other Allergies.

People with allergic rhinitis may be at higher risk for other allergies, including potentially serious food or latex allergies.

Rheumatoid Arthritis. Interestingly, research is finding that people with allergic rhinitis are less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis and vice versa. Patients who have both conditions tend to have less severe arthritic symptoms. Experts suggest that the immune response in one disorder may tend to neutralize the other.

Some children with severe allergies may have more behavioral problems than those without allergies according to some research. One study suggested that an underlying genetic defect may predispose some children to both dep ression or aggression and allergies.

Complications of allergic Rhinitis

Year-long allergic rhinitis is associated with ear infections (acute otitis media). Chronic rhinitis can cause headaches and also affect a child's sleep, concentration, hearing, appetite, and growth. Structural abnormalities or chronic nasal obstruction from year-round allergies can even affect a child's appearance. If a child can only breathe through the mouth, the continual force of air passing through the oral cavity can change the developing soft bones in the face, possibly causing an elongated face and an overbite from teeth coming in at an abnormal angle.

Some children with severe allergies may have more behavioral problems than those without allergies according to some research. One study suggested that an underlying genetic defect may predispose some children to both dep ression or aggression and allergies.