Allergic Rhinitis: Symptoms, Triggers and Relief

Allergic rhinitis is an immune reaction to airborne allergens that can inflame the nose and cause sneezing, itching and congestion.

It is also called hay fever or seasonal allergies, although symptoms can occur throughout the year. The lining of the nose becomes sensitive after exposure to an allergen, producing mucus and swelling that can affect breathing through the nose.

Sneezing, a runny nose, postnasal drip, itchy throat and itchy eyes are very common presentations of allergic rhinitis. A blocked nose may affect sleep, exercise and concentration. Some people also develop cough, reduced smell, a sore throat from drainage, headache, snoring or wheezing.

A blocked nose can have several causes. New facial swelling, a high temperature, chest tightness, breathing difficulty, or symptoms that feel severe or unusual should be assessed promptly rather than assumed to be allergy.

Pollen, house dust mites, mould spores and animal dander are frequent allergy triggers. The same substance may be present at home, school or work, so symptoms may not follow a simple outdoor pattern. Tobacco smoke, strong fragrances and air pollution can further irritate an already inflamed nose without being the original allergen.

Symptoms may begin soon after exposure and settle when the exposure ends, or they may persist where a trigger is continually present. Nasal swelling can vary from day to day. Repeated mouth breathing caused by congestion can leave the throat dry, while ongoing drainage can provoke throat clearing or cough.

People with an individual or family tendency to allergies may be more prone to allergic rhinitis. Eczema, asthma or allergic eye symptoms can occur alongside it. Regular exposure to a known indoor allergen may make symptoms harder to avoid, and children may show the impact through poor sleep or persistent mouth breathing.

Diagnosis starts with a discussion of symptoms, timing, home and work exposures, pets, medicines and related conditions. A clinician may examine the nose, eyes, throat and chest. Allergy testing can be considered when identifying a trigger would change the plan, or when symptoms do not fit a clear pattern.

Management combines trigger reduction with treatments suited to the main symptom. Saline nasal rinses can clear mucus and allergens. A pharmacist or clinician may suggest antihistamines, nasal sprays, eye drops or another medicine after considering age, pregnancy, other conditions and current medicines. Some nasal sprays work best when used consistently as directed.

A symptom diary can help connect flares with places, weather, cleaning or animal contact. Keep bedroom surfaces easy to clean, wash bedding regularly, and avoid smoking indoors. Carrying tissues and using gentle skin care around the nostrils can reduce soreness from repeated wiping.

Poor sleep, tiredness and difficulty concentrating can follow persistent nasal blockage. Nosebleeds can occur when the lining is dry, irritated or repeatedly rubbed. Wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath deserves medical review, particularly for anyone with asthma or a past history of breathing attacks.

Close windows if outdoor allergens are clearly triggering symptoms, and change clothes after time in dusty or high-pollen settings. Vacuuming and ventilation plans may need adjusting if dust is a trigger. A clinician can help make a targeted plan when avoiding an allergen is difficult.

See a GP or allergy clinician when symptoms persist, interfere with sleep or work, or do not improve with a sensible self-care plan. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, faintness, or rapidly worsening wheeze.