Main Page | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Screening | Reducing Your Risk | Talking to Your Doctor | Resource Guide
A risk factor is something that increases your likelihood of getting a disease or condition.
It is possible to develop allergic rhinitis with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.
The primary risk factor for developing allergic rhinitis is genetic history. If both of your parents have allergic rhinitis, you have a 75% chance of developing it. If only one parent has allergic rhinitis, your risk is decreased to 50%.
Your risk of developing allergic rhinitis is increased if you have other allergies. The most common allergies or allergic conditions associated with allergic rhinitis include:
Although allergic rhinitis often first appears in childhood, it may appear at any age. In general, if the condition occurs in early childhood, it may not recur in adulthood. However, if the initial onset is at age 20 years or older, allergic rhinitis may continue through middle age.
There are some studies that indicate that people in "Westernized" countries may be at higher risk for developing allergic rhinitis, possibly due to more highly sanitized living conditions and reduced exposure to diverse allergens.
Allergic rhinitis may be more prevalent in people who are exposed to the following allergens during work:
References:
Advice from your allergist: Rhinitis. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology website. Available at: http://www.acaai.org/public/advice/rhin.htm . Accessed September 15, 2008.
Allergic rhinitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated September 2008. Accessed September 15, 2008.
What is hay fever? American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/site/c.dvLUK9O0E/b.4061173/apps/s/content.asp?ct=3052305 . Accessed September 15, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Purvee S. Shah, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.