Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic response causing sneezing, congestion, itchy nose, and runny nose when you breathe in allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
Overview
Allergic rhinitis affects 20-30% of the Indian population. It can be seasonal (triggered by pollen) or perennial (triggered by dust mites, mold, or pet dander year-round).
While not life-threatening, allergic rhinitis significantly impacts quality of life, sleep, work productivity, and can worsen asthma. Effective management includes allergen avoidance and appropriate medication.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Runny NosePrimary
A runny nose (rhinorrhea) is excess drainage of mucus from the nose, which can be clear, white, yellow, or green.
- Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Most headaches are not serious and can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication.
- Sore Throat
A sore throat is pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when you swallow. It is most commonly caused by viral infections.
- Cough
A cough is a reflex action to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign particles. It can be acute (lasting less than 3 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 8 weeks).
- Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting quality sleep, despite having adequate opportunity for sleep.
- Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of persistent tiredness or exhaustion that does not improve with rest. It can be physical, mental, or both, and may indicate an underlying health condition.
Causes of Allergic Rhinitis
Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
Dust mites
Pet dander (cats, dogs)
Mold spores
Cockroach droppings
Certain foods (oral allergy syndrome)
Air pollution and irritants
Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
Allergen avoidance
Antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine)
Intranasal corticosteroids (fluticasone, mometasone)
Decongestants (short-term)
Leukotriene receptor antagonists (montelukast)
Nasal saline irrigation
Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets)
Prevention
Keep windows closed during high pollen seasons
Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
Encase mattresses and pillows in dust-proof covers
Wash bedding weekly in hot water
Shower after being outdoors
Keep pets out of bedrooms
Use dehumidifiers to prevent mold
Risk Factors
Family history of allergies or asthma
Having other allergic conditions (eczema, asthma)
Exposure to cigarette smoke in childhood
Male sex in childhood (equal in adults)
Being firstborn
Early use of antibiotics
Exposure to indoor allergens
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if symptoms persist despite over-the-counter medications, affect your sleep or daily activities, you develop complications like sinusitis or ear infections, or if you have asthma that worsens with allergies.
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Which Doctor to Consult for Allergic Rhinitis
If you are experiencing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, you may want to consult a specialist in one of these areas:
Related Conditions
These conditions share similar symptoms with allergic rhinitis and may be relevant:
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses, causing nasal congestion, facial pain, and thick nasal discharge.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and oxygen deprivation.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which over time can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Migraine
Migraine is a neurological condition that causes recurring episodes of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Anemia
Anemia is a condition where the blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues, causing fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.
Medical Disclaimer
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