About Allergies
More Information About Allergic Rhinitis
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), is an inflammation of the nasal passages caused by an allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system mistakes a usually harmless substance for an invader. The substance that triggers the reaction is called an allergen. The most common allergens that affect people year-round are dust mites, animal dander and spores from fungi or mold. Seasonal allergic rhinitis triggers include pollen from grasses, trees and weeds and spores from fungi or mold.
What causes allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis can result from specific genes acquired from one’s parents. Though most common in children, allergies can occur at any age.
What are the symptoms?
Allergic rhinitis symptoms can include itchy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing from post-nasal drip and/or scratchy throat.
How do you treat allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis can be treated by:
- Allergen avoidance and/or reducing exposure
- Antihistamines, which block the “histamines” produced as part of the immune response to allergens
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation
- Nasal decongestants, which clear congestion in the sinuses
- Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, which desensitizes a person to an allergen by administering increasingly higher doses of an allergen over time
Can allergic rhinitis be prevented?
There is a genetic predisposition for allergic rhinitis, therefore it cannot be prevented. Allergic reactions to all allergens can be prevented by medication, immunotherapy or by avoiding contact with the allergen.
Who is at risk?
People who have inherited the genetic tendency for allergies are most at risk for developing them. Other risk factors include exposure to infectious diseases in early childhood, environmental pollution and dietary changes.
To find out more about allergic rhinitis and other allergies:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: www.aafa.org
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: www.aaaai.org
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology: www.acaai.org
Alissa is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with extensive experience in clinical research across pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. As an Investigator at PRA, she leverages her expertise to support diverse areas of clinical trials to support advancements in healthcare.
Paige began working as a clinical research coordinator at Peninsula Research Associates in 2020. Since joining our team, she has worked on various clinical trials, including COVID-19 antibody treatment studies, a phase II recombinant protein COVID-19 vaccine study, a phase I mRNA COVID-19 vaccine study and a phase III pneumococcal vaccine study. Paige is passionate about helping patients receive quality healthcare through clinical research.
Kristen joined the PRA team as a clinical research coordinator in 2018. She primarily works with Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) food allergy trials, including peanut and egg allergy studies. Her study on Palforzia just got approved by the FDA! She will soon be leading a study involving OIT multi-food allergies. Additionally, Kristen’s areas of research include asthma, atopic dermatitis, COVID-19 vaccines, COVID-19 antibody treatments, and pneumococcal vaccines.
Heather has been working as a clinical research coordinator at Peninsula Research Associates since 2017. She currently devotes her time to PRA’s phase III trials, focusing primarily on asthma, atopic dermatitis and diabetes studies. Heather helps maintain a high level of patient care while ensuring our research goals are being met.
Monika manages the research coordinators and research assistants at Peninsula Research Associates. She also currently works on PRA’s trials in the following areas; COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 Vaccines, COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibodies, Quality of Life/Exercise Capacity asthma, atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic esophagitis. She helps the PRA team maintain a high level of patient care while ensuring our research goals are being met.
Debbie Cappy began working with Dr. Sher in 1991 and has played a key role in over 300 clinical research trials. Debbie’s areas of expertise include allergic rhinitis, asthma, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, infectious diseases, otitis media, pain management, sleep disorders, vaccinations, women’s health, and, most recently, COVID-19 vaccinations and treatments.
As Chief Financial Officer, Renée manages all cost, managerial, and financial accounting for Peninsula Research Associates. She is responsible for the day-to-day administration of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, benefits, and human resources. In addition to assisting management with important financial decisions, Renée also prepares forecasts, budgets, and financial statements. Renée’s expertise includes determining ways to reduce costs and meeting the legal requirements to keep the financial state of Peninsula Research Associates in good standing.
Leigh Ann is a board licensed family nurse practitioner. She serves as a research sub-investigator for many of our studies at Peninsula Research Associates. Her primary focus is on food allergy treatments, eczema, asthma and COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
Dr. Sher completed his medical degree at the University of Utah School of Medicine (1983) and residency in pediatrics (1987) and fellowship in allergy and immunology at the University of California Los Angeles.