Hay fever and allergic rhinitis
Sneezing, itch, and a blocked or runny nose triggered by pollen, dust mite or animal allergens.
The nose filters and warms the air you breathe and reacts quickly to anything that might be harmful. When it over-reacts to inhaled allergens, the result is allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergy to tree or grass pollen is hay fever; allergy to year-round triggers such as house dust mite or cat and dog protein causes perennial allergic rhinitis, often described as a constant head cold.
Common symptoms
- Sneezing, itch and a runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- A constant head-cold feeling with year-round allergens
Why it is worth treating
Allergic rhinitis can lead to or worsen other problems, including glue ear, sinusitis, asthma and cough, and it can affect concentration at work or in exams. Accurate diagnosis matters, because other nasal conditions can mimic allergy.
Treatment
Treatment ranges from allergen avoidance and nasal steroid sprays and antihistamines to allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation), which can be very effective in selected patients.
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This page is general information and not a substitute for individual medical advice.