What to expect from a GP consultation for allergic rhinitis

The appointment is also a chance to explain how blocked or runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, cough or disturbed sleep affects your day. Your GP will use this pattern, your medical history and the examination to decide whether allergic rhinitis fits and whether another problem should be considered.

Expect questions about when symptoms began, whether they change with seasons or places, and exposure to dust, pollen, mould, pets or other irritants. The GP may ask about asthma, eczema, medicines, previous allergies and what you have already tried.

They may look inside your nose for swelling, irritation or discharge and check your throat, eyes and breathing. Allergy testing is not needed for every person. It may be considered when the diagnosis is unclear, symptoms remain troublesome, or identifying a trigger would change management.

Before the appointment, note your main symptoms, their timing, suspected triggers and any effect on sleep, work or exercise. Bring a list of medicines, nasal sprays and allergy products, including how often you use them and whether they helped.

Your plan may include reducing exposure to a suspected trigger, saline nasal rinsing, an antihistamine or a steroid nasal spray. Technique matters: a nasal spray is generally directed slightly away from the middle wall of the nose. Follow the product instructions and ask your GP or pharmacist about suitable options, especially for a child, pregnancy or other medical conditions.

Arrange follow-up if symptoms continue despite the agreed plan, interfere with sleep or daily activities, or you are relying repeatedly on a product without knowing how to use it safely. Persistent one-sided blockage, frequent nosebleeds, facial pain, fever or reduced sense of smell also deserves medical review.

Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, or rapidly worsening symptoms after an exposure. These features can signal a serious allergic reaction or another urgent breathing problem rather than uncomplicated allergic rhinitis.

You could ask: What triggers seem likely? How should I use my nasal spray? How long should I try the treatment? Could asthma or another condition be contributing? Do I need allergy testing or a follow-up appointment?