Genetic Factors

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%.

Medical Conditions

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:

• Eczema
• Food allergies
• Asthma

Age

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.

Environment

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.

Other

Allergic rhinitis may be more prevalent in people who are exposed to the following allergens during work:

• Seed dust
• Wood dust
• Animal dander
• Textile dust
• Chemicals
• Rubber latex
• Certain foods and spices
• Storage mites
• Odors and fumes (eg, smoking, air pollution)