What should you know about watery eyes and stuffy nose?

Allergic rhinitis often causes clear nasal discharge, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes after exposure to pollen, dust, or other triggers. A common cold can bring congestion, sore throat, cough, and feeling unwell. Sinusitis may cause blocked drainage, facial pressure, reduced smell, or thicker mucus. House dust mite allergy can cause symptoms that are worse indoors or on waking.

Symptoms that continue during sleep, with loud snoring or pauses in breathing, need a different assessment because obstructive sleep apnoea is not simply an allergy. The combination of symptoms does not identify one diagnosis by itself.

Limit known triggers, keep windows closed when outdoor allergens are high, and wash your face or change clothes after exposure. Saline nasal rinsing may help clear mucus when performed with sterile or previously boiled and cooled water. Rest, drink fluids, and avoid rubbing the eyes.

A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether allergy medication is suitable. Use nasal decongestant sprays only as directed, because prolonged use can worsen congestion. Do not share towels, eye products, or nasal devices.

Seek urgent help for swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, breathing difficulty, or sudden widespread allergic symptoms. Arrange review for severe facial pain, swelling around an eye, vision change, high fever, symptoms that keep worsening, or congestion that persists and disrupts sleep. Eye pain or marked light sensitivity also warrants prompt assessment.

Describe when symptoms appear, whether they follow dust or seasonal exposure, and whether discharge is clear or thick. Ask whether you need allergy testing, treatment for sinus disease, a review of medicines, or assessment for sleep-related breathing problems.