What should you know about allergic rhino conjunctivitis?

Symptoms may appear after contact with pollen, dust mites, mould, or animals. They can be seasonal or continue whenever the relevant trigger is present.

The immune system reacts to a normally harmless substance and releases chemicals that inflame the lining of the nose and the surface around the eyes. Itching is a useful clue: the eyes may feel gritty or irritated, while the nose may feel blocked despite producing thin, clear mucus.

Allergic symptoms commonly affect both eyes and occur alongside nasal symptoms. Thick eye discharge, eyelids stuck together, marked eye pain, or symptoms confined to one eye may point to another problem and deserve assessment.

Notice where and when symptoms begin, then reduce contact with a suspected trigger where practical. Showering and changing clothes after outdoor exposure, keeping windows closed when airborne triggers are troublesome, and avoiding rubbing the eyes may reduce irritation. A cool compress and preservative-free lubricating eye drops can soothe the eye surface.

A pharmacist or clinician can help select an antihistamine, a corticosteroid nasal spray, or allergy eye drops based on your symptoms and medical history. Use sprays and drops exactly as directed. Do not share eye products, and avoid wearing contact lenses while the eyes are significantly inflamed. Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections, not an allergic reaction.

Arrange a clinical review if symptoms disrupt sleep or daily activities, keep returning, do not improve with correctly used non-prescription treatment, or if you are uncertain that allergy is the cause. A review is also sensible before starting treatment for a young child, during pregnancy, or when you have glaucoma or another eye condition.

Seek urgent assessment for eye pain, new blurred or reduced vision, pronounced light sensitivity, significant swelling around the eye, an eye injury, or a chemical splash. Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, throat tightness, faintness, or rapidly increasing swelling of the lips, tongue, or face.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergy or another form of conjunctivitis, which nose and eye treatments can be combined safely, and how long each medicine should be used. Mention contact lenses, existing eye disease, asthma, pregnancy, and every medicine or eye drop you already use. A diary of exposures and symptoms can help identify a repeatable trigger.