What causes allergic rhinitis?

After exposure, the nasal lining releases inflammatory chemicals that produce itching, sneezing, clear discharge and congestion. The allergen is a trigger rather than an infection, so allergic rhinitis does not spread from person to person.

Outdoor pollen may produce symptoms during particular seasons or after time outside. Dust mites, indoor mould and animal allergens can cause symptoms across the year, often becoming clearer in certain rooms, during cleaning or around a pet.

Smoke, perfume, cleaning fumes, temperature changes and dry air may irritate an already sensitive nose, but irritation alone is not the same immune process as allergy. Colds can resemble rhinitis, although fever, body aches or a change from clear to thicker discharge may suggest an infection instead.

Record symptoms alongside location, outdoor exposure, cleaning, bedding changes and contact with animals. A repeated pattern is more useful than blaming a single exposure. Reduce the suspected trigger with targeted measures such as washing bedding, controlling damp, showering after high-pollen exposure or keeping animals out of the bedroom.

Saline spray can wash allergens from the nose. If symptoms remain disruptive, a clinician or pharmacist can help select an antihistamine or nasal treatment and explain correct spray direction. Allergy testing may be considered when the trigger remains unclear or when the result would change the management plan.

Book a routine review if congestion disrupts sleep, symptoms continue despite reasonable avoidance and treatment, or you also have recurrent sinus pressure, ear symptoms, cough or wheeze. A review can check technique, diagnosis and conditions that may occur alongside nasal allergy.

Get urgent medical help if exposure is followed by breathing difficulty, throat tightness, faintness, or swelling of the lips or tongue. This combination suggests a more serious allergic reaction rather than allergic rhinitis alone.

Useful questions include whether the history is typical of allergy, whether testing would change treatment, how long to try a nasal medicine, and whether cough or wheeze needs a separate breathing assessment. Mention workplace exposures and all products already tried.