Allergic rhinitis control patient overview

Overview

Allergic rhinitis is a condition where the inside of your nose becomes inflamed (swollen and irritated) when you breathe in something you are allergic to, such as pollen or dust mites. It is often called hay fever, but it can happen all year round. It causes symptoms like sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes.

Yes, allergic rhinitis is one of the most common long-term conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people.

It can affect people of any age, but often starts in childhood or early adulthood. Both men and women get it, and it can run in families.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sneezing
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
• Watery eyes
• Coughing, especially at night

Symptoms in children

• Snoring or mouth breathing during sleep
• Frequent rubbing of the nose (called the allergic salute)
• Dark circles under the eyes (allergic shiners)
• Irritability and trouble concentrating

Symptoms in older adults

• Nasal congestion and postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)
• Reduced sense of smell
• Worsening of other conditions like asthma or sinusitis

Causes

Main causes

• Your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or cockroach droppings.
• When you breathe in these triggers, your body releases chemicals (like histamine) that cause swelling and irritation in your nose.

Risk factors

• Having a family history of allergies or asthma
• Having asthma or eczema yourself
• Being exposed to high levels of allergens at a young age
• Living in areas with high pollen counts or indoor allergens

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe trouble breathing, wheezing, or swelling of your face or throat, call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment with your doctor if your symptoms are bothersome, affect your sleep, work, or school, or if over-the-counter treatments are not helping.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they happen, and your personal and family allergy history. They may also look inside your nose.

Tests that may be done

• Skin prick test – tiny drops of common allergens are placed on your skin to see if you react with a small bump.
• Blood test (specific IgE) – checks for antibodies your immune system makes to certain allergens.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will help you identify your triggers and suggest a treatment plan. If needed, they may refer you to an allergy specialist. No tests are always necessary.

Treatment

Treatment aims to control symptoms and improve your quality of life. Most people do well with a combination of avoiding triggers and using medications as needed.

Self-care at home

• Avoid your known allergens – for example, stay indoors when pollen counts are high, use allergen-proof covers on pillows and mattresses, and keep pets out of the bedroom.
• Keep windows closed during pollen season and use air conditioning if possible.
• Wear a mask when gardening or cleaning dusty areas.
• Rinse your nasal passages with a saline (salt water) spray or neti pot to wash out allergens.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier to keep your nasal passages moist.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend non-drowsy antihistamine tablets or sprays, or nasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation. These help block allergic reactions and control symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s advice on which treatment is right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It may only be considered if you have structural problems in your nose, such as large nasal polyps or a severely deviated septum, and other treatments have not worked.

Living with this condition

Living with allergic rhinitis means being aware of your triggers and using your treatments as prescribed. Keeping your home clean and avoiding allergens can make a big difference in how you feel each day.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a diary of your symptoms and possible triggers to share with your doctor.
• Take your medications regularly as advised, even on days you feel fine, to prevent symptoms.
• Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in rooms where you spend the most time.
• Wash your hands and face after being outdoors to remove allergens.
• Change your clothes after spending time in high-pollen areas.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for allergic rhinitis, but eating a balanced diet supports your overall health. Exercise is fine; if pollen triggers you, try indoor exercise or go outside after rain when pollen counts are lower.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Constant symptoms can affect your sleep, mood, and ability to concentrate. It is normal to feel frustrated or tired. If your symptoms are affecting your mental health, talk to your doctor—they can help you find ways to cope.

Prevention

You cannot completely prevent allergic rhinitis, but you can reduce your risk of developing it by avoiding known allergens as much as possible. If you already have it, avoiding triggers is the most effective way to prevent symptoms.

Vaccines

Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets) can help desensitize your immune system to certain allergens. This is a treatment, not a vaccine, and it is used for people with severe or hard-to-control symptoms. Talk to an allergy specialist.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for allergic rhinitis. Testing is only done when you have symptoms that need to be diagnosed.

Complications

If left untreated

• If not well managed, allergic rhinitis can lead to sinus infections (sinusitis), ear infections, and worsening of asthma.
• It can also cause sleep problems, daytime fatigue, and reduced work or school performance.

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment and avoidance of triggers, most people get very good control of their symptoms. Allergic rhinitis does not affect your life expectancy. Many people find that symptoms become less severe as they get older.

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