Allergic Rhinitis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is swelling inside your nose caused by an allergen. An allergen can be anything that causes an allergic reaction. Allergies to weeds, grass, trees, or mold often cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Indoor dust mites or pet dander can also cause allergic rhinitis.

What are the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

• Sneezing, coughing, or clearing your throat often
• Runny, stuffy, or itchy nose
• A sore or scratchy throat
• Red, itchy, watery eyes
• Severe tiredness
• Dark circles under your eyes
• Rash or hives
• Headache
• Postnasal drip (nasal drainage down the back of your throat)

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Tell the provider if you know which allergens trigger your symptoms. You may need any of the following:

• A skin prick test may show what you are allergic to. A provider lightly pricks or scratches your skin with tiny amounts of a possible allergen. The provider watches to see how your skin reacts. If a bump appears within a few minutes, you are likely allergic to the allergen.
• A blood test may show what you are allergic to.
• A nasal swab may be used to test fluid from your nose. This fluid may show which allergens are causing your symptoms.
• A rhinoscopy is used to check for polyps or a foreign body in your nose. Your provider will use a rhinoscope to look inside your nose. A rhinoscope is a thin, bendable tube with a light and camera on the end.

How is allergic rhinitis treated?

• Medicines may help decrease your symptoms. Examples include antihistamines, decongestants, and certain steroids or asthma medicines. These may come as a pill, eye drops, nasal spray, or a tablet to put under your tongue.
• Allergy shots , or immunotherapy, may be needed if your symptoms are severe or other treatments do not work. At first, tiny amounts of an allergen are injected into your skin. The amount of allergen is slowly increased over time. This may help your body be less sensitive to the allergen and stop reacting to it. You may need allergy shots for weeks or longer.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Zyrtec
• Allegra
• Claritin
• Singulair
• cetirizine

View more treatment options

How can I manage allergic rhinitis?

• Rinse your nose and sinuses with a salt water spray or solution. This will help thin the mucus and decrease swelling in your nose. This will also rinse away pollen and dirt. Ask your provider how often to rinse your nose.
• Use over-the-counter eye drops if you have red, itchy eyes. Ask what eye drops you should use and how often you should use them.
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.

How can I prevent an allergic reaction?

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid allergens as much as possible. Any of the following may help decrease your symptoms:

• Decrease exposure to dust mites. Wash sheets, towels, and blankets in hot water regularly. Cover your pillows and mattresses with allergen-free covers. Store clothes in closets with doors or closed drawers. Vacuum often. Remove carpets and curtains if possible. These collect dust and dust mites.
• Decrease exposure to pollen. Stay inside when air pollution or the pollen count is high. Use an air conditioner and keep windows and doors closed. Add a filter designed for allergies if possible. Wash your hair before bed every night to rinse away pollen.
• Decrease exposure to pet dander. If you have pets, try to keep them out of bedrooms and carpeted areas. Bathe pets often, if appropriate.
• Decrease exposure to mold. Limit the time you spend in basements. Do not have standing water in your home or yard.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

You have any of the following signs or symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction:

• You feel itchy, or you have a rash, or hives that have spread over your body.
• You have trouble breathing, swelling in your mouth or throat, or wheezing.
• You feel you are going to faint.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever.
• Your symptoms get worse, even after treatment.
• You have trouble sleeping because of your symptoms.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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