Allergic Rhinitis
Also known as Hay fever, Seasonal allergies
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining triggered by an allergic reaction to airborne particles such as pollen, dust mite or animal dander. It is often dismissed as trivial, yet it significantly disrupts sleep, concentration and school or work performance, and poor control worsens coexisting asthma.
Causes
- IgE mediated allergic response to inhaled allergens
- Tree, grass and weed pollen in seasonal disease
- House dust mite in perennial disease
- Animal dander
- Mould spores
- Occupational allergens such as flour or latex
Symptoms
- Sneezing, often in bouts
- Runny nose with clear discharge
- Nasal congestion and blockage
- Itchy nose, eyes, throat or palate
- Watery red eyes
- Reduced sense of smell
- Postnasal drip and cough
- Fatigue and poor sleep
Risk factors
- Family or personal history of asthma or eczema
- Early allergen exposure
- Air pollution and tobacco smoke
- Occupational exposure
- Male sex in childhood
Diagnosis
- Clinical history linking symptoms to exposure
- Nasal examination showing pale swollen turbinates
- Skin prick testing
- Specific IgE blood testing
- Assessment for coexisting asthma
Treatment
- Allergen avoidance where practical
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays, the most effective single treatment
- Non sedating oral antihistamines
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Antihistamine or mast cell stabiliser eye drops
- Allergen immunotherapy for severe persistent disease
- Correct spray technique, which strongly affects results
Self care
- Rinse the nose with saline daily during trigger seasons
- Start a steroid nasal spray a couple of weeks before your season begins
- Aim the spray outward toward the same side ear, never at the septum
- Shower and change clothes after being outdoors in high pollen
- Keep windows shut on high pollen days and use a pollen filter in the car
- Wash bedding hot weekly and use dust mite covers
- Keep pets out of the bedroom if animal dander is a trigger
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Symptoms persist despite regular sprays and antihistamines
- Sleep or concentration is affected
- You also have asthma that is getting harder to control
- Symptoms are year round rather than seasonal
- One sided blockage, bleeding or facial pain
- You want to discuss allergen immunotherapy
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Track pollen counts and plan outdoor activity around them
- Reduce dust mite exposure in bedding and soft furnishings
- Manage indoor humidity to limit mould
- Avoid tobacco smoke
- Consider immunotherapy where a single allergen dominates
Outlook
Allergic rhinitis is long term but very controllable. Most people get substantial relief from a steroid nasal spray used correctly and consistently, and symptoms often ease with age. Immunotherapy can produce lasting improvement for people with a dominant single allergen. Treating it well also improves asthma control.
Common questions
Why is nasal spray technique important?
Spraying toward the nasal septum causes irritation and bleeding and delivers little drug to the target tissue. Aiming outward toward the same side ear, without sniffing hard, substantially improves effectiveness.
How is it different from a cold?
Allergic rhinitis causes itching, repeated sneezing and clear discharge lasting weeks with no fever, and often follows a seasonal or exposure pattern. Colds last around a week and may cause fever and sore throat.
Does treating it help asthma?
Yes. The upper and lower airways behave as one system, and controlling nasal inflammation improves asthma control and reduces exacerbations.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.