What should you know about itchy eyes and itchy nose?

The nose and eye surface are exposed to the same air, so an allergen can irritate both. Allergic conjunctivitis may bring watering, redness and a gritty feeling, while allergic rhinitis may cause sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and throat irritation. Symptoms can flare after dust, pet contact or time outdoors.

A cold can cause a runny nose but often brings a different overall pattern, such as sore throat or feeling unwell. Thick discharge, facial pain, persistent blockage or symptoms limited to one side should be assessed rather than labelled as allergy.

Avoid rubbing your eyes and wash your face and hands after likely exposure. Keep bedroom surfaces as dust-free as practical, wash bedding regularly, and keep pets away from the sleeping area if they trigger symptoms. Saline nasal rinsing may help some people when performed with suitable sterile or previously boiled and cooled water.

A pharmacist or clinician can advise on Allergy Medication for eye or nasal symptoms. Follow the label, check for interactions, and ask before using treatment if you are pregnant, have another medical condition or take regular medicines.

Book an assessment if symptoms persist, disturb sleep, affect daily activities or recur without a clear trigger. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, severe eye pain, sudden vision change, or strong light sensitivity. Fever with significant facial pain also merits medical advice.

Ask whether the pattern fits allergic rhinitis with allergic conjunctivitis, which exposures are worth tracking, and whether an eye or nasal treatment is more appropriate. Mention timing, season, workplace, pets and any medicines already tried.