Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes of Allergic Rhinitis
Learn about allergic rhinitis, including its common symptoms, causes, and effective treatment options. Discover how to manage seasonal and perennial allergies for long-term relief.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 25th Aug, 2025
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you often experience sneezing, a runny nose, or itchy eyes when exposed to dust, pollen, or pet dander, you might be dealing with allergic rhinitis. While it’s not life-threatening, it can significantly impact your daily life. The good news is that with the right knowledge and management, you can reduce symptoms and live comfortably.
In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for allergic rhinitis, along with helpful lifestyle tips to keep it under control.
What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that occurs when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. When you inhale these allergens, your body releases histamines, leading to inflammation in your nasal passages and other symptoms.
There are two main types:
1. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) – Occurs during specific seasons, usually due to pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds.
2. Perennial Allergic Rhinitis – Happens year-round, triggered by indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, or pet hair.
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Common Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
If you have allergic rhinitis, you may experience some or all of these symptoms:
- Sneezing frequently, especially in the morning
- Runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion)
- Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
- Watery, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Postnasal drip (mucus dripping down the throat)
- Fatigue due to poor sleep from congestion
- Mild headache or sinus pressure
These symptoms can be mild or severe, depending on your sensitivity to allergens.
What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system mistakes harmless airborne particles as threats. Common triggers include:
- Outdoor Allergens
- Pollen (from trees, grasses, weeds)
- Mold spores (common in damp environments)
- Indoor Allergens
- Dust mites (tiny bugs in bedding, carpets, and furniture)
- Pet dander (skin flakes from cats, dogs, or other animals)
- Cockroach droppings
- Mold (in bathrooms, basements, or kitchens)
- Other Triggers
- Smoke (cigarette or pollution)
- Strong perfumes or cleaning chemicals
- Weather changes (cold air, humidity)
- Some people may also experience worsening symptoms due to stress, hormonal changes, or infections like colds.
How is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed?
If you suspect allergic rhinitis, consult a doctor who may:
1. Review your symptoms and medical history.
2. Perform a physical exam (checking your nose, throat, and eyes).
3. Recommend allergy tests, such as:
Skin prick test (tiny amounts of allergens are applied to your skin to check reactions).
Blood test (IgE test) to measure allergy-related antibodies.
These tests help identify specific allergens causing your symptoms so you can avoid them or get the right treatment.
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Effective Treatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis
While allergic rhinitis can’t be cured, treatments can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life.
1. Medications
- Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine) – Block histamine to reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
- Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone, mometasone) – Reduce inflammation in nasal passages.
- Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine) – Provide short-term relief for nasal congestion (avoid long-term use).
- Eye drops – Help relieve itchy, watery eyes.
2. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
If medications aren’t enough, allergy shots can help your body build tolerance to allergens over time.
3. Home Remedies & Lifestyle Changes
- Use a saline nasal rinse to clear allergens from your nose.
- Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to kill dust mites.
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor allergens.
- Avoid smoking and strong fragrances that can worsen symptoms.
When to See a Doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- Symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments.
- You experience wheezing, shortness of breath, or severe sinus pain (could indicate asthma or sinusitis).
- Allergies interfere with sleep, work, or daily activities.
- If you need expert advice, you can book an allergy consultation or test through Apollo 24|7 for personalized care.
Final Thoughts
Allergic rhinitis can be frustrating, but with the right approach, avoiding triggers, using medications, and making simple lifestyle changes you can manage it effectively. If symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
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Dr Yaja Jebaying
Paediatric Gastroenterologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD PEDIATRICS, FELLOWSHIP PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY AND LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
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(25+ Patients)
Dr. Rohit Vohra
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10 Years • MBBS, MD PEDIATRICS, FELLOWSHIP IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE,FELLOWSHIP IN PULMONOLOGY
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(50+ Patients)
Dr. Anshu Sethi
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33 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (Paediatrics & Neonatology)
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Dr Rachna Shanbhag Mohite
Paediatric Immunologists and Rheumatologists
3 Years • MBBS, MD Paediatrics, Fellowship in Paediatric Immunology & Rheumatology
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Dr. Tanmaya Kumar Sahu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine )
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Consult a Top Immunologist
Dr Yaja Jebaying
Paediatric Gastroenterologist
9 Years • MBBS, MD PEDIATRICS, FELLOWSHIP PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY AND LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Rohit Vohra
Paediatric Pulmonologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD PEDIATRICS, FELLOWSHIP IN PEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE,FELLOWSHIP IN PULMONOLOGY
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(50+ Patients)
Dr. Anshu Sethi
Paediatrician
33 Years • MBBS, MD, DM (Paediatrics & Neonatology)
Pune
Apollo Clinic, Viman Nagar, Pune
(75+ Patients)
Dr Rachna Shanbhag Mohite
Paediatric Immunologists and Rheumatologists
3 Years • MBBS, MD Paediatrics, Fellowship in Paediatric Immunology & Rheumatology
Mumbai
Apollo Hospitals CBD Belapur, Mumbai
Dr. Tanmaya Kumar Sahu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS, MD ( Internal Medicine )
Bhubaneswar
Apollo Hospitals Old Sainik School Road, Bhubaneswar
