What are common triggers of allergic rhinitis?

• A. Pollen, dust, sunlight, and low humidity.
• B. Pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander.
• C. Cold weather, dry air, and pollutants.
• D. Certain foods, medication allergies, and chemicals.

Answer: (B)

Allergic rhinitis occurs when inhaled environmental allergens trigger an IgE-mediated response in the nasal mucosa, leading to inflammation and typical symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion. The classic triggers are inhalant allergens found in the air: pollen, mold, dust mites, and pet dander. These substances are common in homes and outdoor environments and can provoke allergic reactions in people who are sensitized, whether the exposure is seasonal (pollen, some molds) or year-round (dust mites, pet dander).

Other options involve irritants or non-allergic factors rather than the specific IgE-driven inhalant allergens. Cold weather or dry air and certain pollutants can irritate the nose and worsen symptoms but don’t represent the inhaled allergen triggers that define allergic rhinitis. Foods or some medications can cause other allergic reactions, but they do not typically produce the familiar nasal allergic response to airborne allergens.