Rhinitis is the general medical term for disorders of the nose in which an inflammation of the lining of the nose occurs and symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and drainage result. Allergic rhinitis is the single most common chronic disease experienced by humans and affects more than 40 million people in the U.S. It is more commonly known as hay fever, a term used when symptoms occur in late summer.
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is not caused by hay nor is it accompanied by a fever. It is triggered by antibodies that induce the body’s immune cells to release certain chemicals such as histamines in response to contact with allergens. The most common allergens enter the body through the airway.
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