Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the inside of the nose caused by an allergen. Allergens include pollen, dust, mould or flakes of skin from certain animals.
Allergic rhinitis affects about 1 in 5 people.
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis causes cold-like symptoms, such as:
- sneezing
- an itchy nose
- a blocked or runny nose
Symptoms usually start soon after you're exposed to an allergen.
Some people only get allergic rhinitis for a few months at a time. This is because they're sensitive to seasonal allergens, such as tree or grass pollen. Other people get allergic rhinitis all year round.
Most people with allergic rhinitis have mild symptoms.
But for some people, symptoms can be severe and persistent. They can cause sleep problems and interfere with everyday life.
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can improve with time. But this can take many years. It's unlikely that the condition will disappear completely.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if
the symptoms of allergic rhinitis:
- disrupt your sleep
- stop you from doing everyday activities
- affect your performance at work or school
What happens at your GP appointment
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and any triggers you notice.
If the cause of your condition is uncertain, they may refer you for allergy testing.
Causes of allergic rhinitis
The immune system defends your body against illness and infection. If you have allergic rhinitis, your immune system reacts to an allergen as if it's harmful.
Your cells release chemicals that swell the mucous membrane (the inside layer of your nose). Your body produces too much mucus.
Common allergens that cause allergic rhinitis include:
- pollen (this type of allergic rhinitis is hay fever)
- mould spores
- house dust mites
- flakes of skin from some animals
- droplets of pee or saliva from some animals
Treating and preventing allergic rhinitis
It's hard to completely avoid allergens. But you can try to reduce your exposure to allergens that may trigger your allergic rhinitis. This can help improve your symptoms.
If your symptoms are mild, it may help to:
- take medicines available without prescription, such as non-drowsy antihistamines
- rinse your nasal passages with a salt water solution to keep your nose free of allergens
Ask your GP for advice if you have tried these steps and they do not help.
Your GP may prescribe a stronger medicine, such as a steroid nasal spray.
Complications of allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis can sometimes cause other problems.
These include:
- nasal polyps - sacs of fluid that grow inside the nasal passages and sinuses
- sinusitis - an infection caused by nasal inflammation and swelling
- middle ear infections - infection of the part of the ear behind the eardrum
You can often treat these problems with medicines. But you may need surgery for severe or long-term cases.
Complications of allergic rhinitis
Non-allergic rhinitis
The cause of rhinitis is not always an allergic reaction.
Sometimes the cause is:
- an infection, such as the common cold
- breathing in poor quality air that is dusty or dry, including air from air conditioning
- overuse of nasal decongestants
This type of rhinitis is called non-allergic rhinitis (perennial).