As the seasons change, many of us start to experience the familiar and often frustrating symptoms of seasonal allergies. However, it’s important to recognise that not all seasonal allergies are the same. Different people experience these symptoms in varying ways, and this diversity means that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment often falls short. Understanding why these differences exist can help you take control of your allergy management.
Allergic vs. non-allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis (AR), including seasonal and perennial rhinitis, are typically triggered by specific environmental allergens such as pollens, house dust mites, mould spores, or pet danders. When your body encounters these allergens, it mistakenly identifies them as harmful, leading to an immune response. This response involves the release of histamines and other chemicals, resulting in symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and a runny nose. Although people’s symptoms can be triggered by many of these exposures, each person’s pattern of allergy is unique.
However, not all rhinitis is due to allergies. Non-allergic rhinitis, sometimes also called vasomotor rhinitis, occurs when your nasal passages are activated by irritants such as smoke, strong odours, temperature changes, or even stress. Symptoms can be similar to allergic rhinitis making matters confusing. Unlike allergic rhinitis, non-allergic rhinitis does not involve the immune system. Understanding this difference is important to planning the best approach to treatment.
Why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work
Given the distinct nature of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis, and the individual differences in triggers, it’s clear that the same treatment won’t work for everyone. For instance, antihistamines are effective in treating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis by blocking the histamine response, but they might not be as effective for non-allergic rhinitis, where histamine is not the primary cause of symptoms. Similarly, nasal corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in allergic rhinitis, but their efficacy can vary in non-allergic cases.
According to Prof. Jonny Peter from the UCT Lung Institute and founder of The Real Pollen Count: “Understanding these differences is crucial because treating the wrong type of rhinitis with inappropriate medication can lead to ineffective symptom relief, prolonged discomfort, and even potential side effects. Personalised treatment plans, developed with the help of your healthcare provider, are essential for managing symptoms effectively.”
The scope and impact of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions, affecting approximately 15-30% of the population. Seasonal allergic rhinitis tends to peak during certain times of the year when specific allergens are more prevalent. In contrast, perennial allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms year-round, typically due to indoor allergens like dust mites or pet dander.
The impact of allergic rhinitis on daily life is significant. Studies show that up to 36% of adults experience impaired work performance due to allergy symptoms, and about 3.6% have missed workdays entirely because of their condition. These statistics highlight the importance of recognising and properly managing allergic rhinitis to maintain a good quality of life.
Diagnosing and treating different types of rhinitis
Diagnosing whether you have allergic or non-allergic rhinitis involves a thorough assessment of your symptoms, medical history, and specific allergy tests. For allergic rhinitis, skin prick tests or blood tests may be used to identify specific allergens. In cases where non-allergic rhinitis is suspected, your healthcare provider might focus on identifying irritants or other underlying conditions that could be triggering your symptoms.
“Treatment options vary depending on the type of rhinitis you have. For allergic rhinitis, options include antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids that give you the benefit of two allergy medicines in one nasal spray, and allergen avoidance strategies. For non-allergic rhinitis, treatment might involve avoiding irritants, using saline nasal sprays, or considering lifestyle changes that reduce exposure to triggers. In some cases, combination therapies may be recommended,” says Prof Peter.
A treatment plan for your unique seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies are also more complex than they might seem on first glance. Individuals may be allergic to different pollens, each with particular flowering seasons. For instance, one person might be allergic to tree pollens which have a short, intense flowering season in late winter/early spring, while another may only be allergic to grass pollens which have a longer flowering season starting late in spring and very dependent on geography.
“Understanding the nuances of your seasonal allergies is an important step toward effective treatment and lasting relief. The Real Pollen Count (www.pollencount.co.za) provides updated weekly pollen counts for eight of the major urban centres across South Africa and is a great resource to better understand your seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms this year,” says Prof Peter.
Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information on Glenmark’s 2-in-1 nasal spray to help manage allergic rhinitis effectively. Look out for Rymoji in Pharmacies, your best friend in seasonal allergy relief.
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