Allergic Rhinitis
What Is Allergic Rhinitis?
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]llergic rhinitis is an immune disorder characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa by an IgE antibody reaction to an allergen.
An allergen is something that triggers an allergic immune response.
Q: What is the immune response?
A: Implicated in the response is an increase in T gamma-delta intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), which is a subset of pro-inflammatory T-cells located in the respiratory mucosa. Lymphocytes are white blood cells.
When a person with allergic rhinitis breathes in an allergen such as pollen or dust, the body releases chemicals, including histamine that cause allergy symptoms. For example, hay fever involves an allergic reaction to pollen. A similar reaction occurs with allergy to mold, animal dander, dust, and other allergens that are breathed in.