How allergic rhinitis affects the nose

Contact with a relevant allergen prompts swelling and extra mucus. Both nostrils are often affected, although blockage can alternate from side to side. Dripping mucus may irritate the throat and contribute to throat clearing or cough.

Repeated sneezing, nasal itching and clear discharge after exposure to pollen, dust or animals fit an allergic pattern. Symptoms may be seasonal or present across the year. Eye itching and watering can occur at the same time because the eyes and nose respond to similar triggers.

Persistent blockage on only one side, unpleasant-smelling discharge, frequent bleeding, facial swelling or marked pain is less typical of straightforward allergic rhinitis. These features need examination for structural problems, infection or another cause rather than simply increasing allergy medicine.

Reduce contact with a trigger you can identify, but avoid broad restrictions based only on guesswork. Saline spray or rinsing can wash away mucus and allergens; use sterile or appropriately prepared water and clean the device after use. Avoid smoke, incense and strong scents that can add irritation.

A pharmacist or clinician may suggest an antihistamine for itching and sneezing or a corticosteroid nasal spray for inflammation and blockage. Spray toward the outer wall of the nostril, away from the septum, and inhale gently. Correct placement reduces throat runoff and nasal irritation.

Seek routine medical advice if symptoms disturb sleep, remain uncontrolled despite correct treatment, repeatedly affect the sinuses or ears, or if you are losing your sense of smell. Arrange earlier assessment for one-sided obstruction, recurrent nosebleeds, severe facial pain, swelling or bloody discharge.

Emergency help is needed for swelling of the tongue or throat, severe difficulty breathing, faintness, confusion, or blue or grey lips. These are not ordinary nasal allergy symptoms.

Explain whether blockage affects one or both sides, what the discharge looks like, which exposures trigger symptoms and whether smell or sleep has changed. Ask for a spray-technique check and whether examination, allergy testing or treatment for an associated eye, sinus or chest problem is appropriate.