Home remedies for allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is an immune reaction in the nose after exposure to triggers such as pollen, house dust mites, mould or animal dander. It can cause repeated sneezing, an itchy or blocked nose, clear discharge and itchy, watery eyes. Symptoms may be seasonal or continue indoors. Mucus dripping into the throat can contribute to a cough, while poor sleep can leave you tired during the day.

Keep windows closed when outdoor pollen is high, shower or change clothes after outdoor activities, and dry laundry indoors during heavy pollen periods. Wash bedding regularly and reduce bedroom dust with damp cleaning; avoid sweeping that sends particles into the air. Keep pets out of the bedroom if they trigger symptoms. A saline nasal rinse may clear irritants, but use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water with clean equipment. A pharmacist can advise on an antihistamine or nasal spray, including correct technique.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, throat or facial swelling, faintness or rapidly worsening wheeze. Arrange a medical review if symptoms remain troublesome despite sensible measures, cause repeated sleep disruption, lead to frequent nosebleeds or produce thick, painful nasal symptoms with fever. Cough, wheeze or chest tightness may indicate asthma and should be assessed, especially during exercise or at night.

Which trigger is most likely from my symptom pattern, and should I be tested? Is my cough or wheeze linked to asthma, and which nasal treatment is appropriate?