In allergic rhinitis, what causes symptoms like sneezing and itching?

In allergic rhinitis, what causes symptoms like sneezing and itching?

• A. Mucous gland hypoactivity
• B. Vasodilation
• C. Stimulation of sensory nerves
• D. Presence of foreign bodies

Answer: (C)

In allergic rhinitis, symptoms such as sneezing and itching are primarily caused by the stimulation of sensory nerves. When an allergen enters the nasal passage, it triggers an immune response in the body. This response includes the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells. These substances interact with sensory nerve endings in the nasal mucosa, leading to sensations of irritation and the subsequent reflex actions of sneezing and itching. The other choices relate to different physiological responses but do not directly explain the symptoms of sneezing and itching in allergic rhinitis. Mucous gland hypoactivity would suggest a lack of mucus production, which is contrary to what occurs in allergic rhinitis where mucus production is often increased. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which can contribute to nasal congestion but does not directly cause sneezing or itching. The presence of foreign bodies may cause irritation, but allergic rhinitis specifically involves an immune-mediated response rather than a mechanical obstruction or irritation.

In allergic rhinitis, symptoms such as sneezing and itching are primarily caused by the stimulation of sensory nerves. When an allergen enters the nasal passage, it triggers an immune response in the body. This response includes the release of histamines and other inflammatory mediators from mast cells. These substances interact with sensory nerve endings in the nasal mucosa, leading to sensations of irritation and the subsequent reflex actions of sneezing and itching.

The other choices relate to different physiological responses but do not directly explain the symptoms of sneezing and itching in allergic rhinitis. Mucous gland hypoactivity would suggest a lack of mucus production, which is contrary to what occurs in allergic rhinitis where mucus production is often increased. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, which can contribute to nasal congestion but does not directly cause sneezing or itching. The presence of foreign bodies may cause irritation, but allergic rhinitis specifically involves an immune-mediated response rather than a mechanical obstruction or irritation.