Allergic Rhinitis (Nasal Allergy)

What is this?

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation inside the nose triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mould, or animal dander. It can cause sneezing, itching, a runny or blocked nose, and watery eyes. Similar symptoms may also occur with infections or irritants. People often look this up because conversation, sleep, school, work or breathing has become harder. The lists on this page describe patterns. They are not a checklist that proves a cause. A similar complaint can come from more than one place, which is why an examination matters. The clinician may assess triggers, nasal inflammation, and related asthma or sinus symptoms. A treatment plan may include trigger reduction and appropriate nasal or allergy medicines selected for the individual. If you are travelling from elsewhere in Bihar, from Jharkhand, eastern Uttar Pradesh, or from Nepal for a planned visit, confirm the day’s clinic by phone or WhatsApp before you start. Sudden or dangerous symptoms should be handled by a local emergency service, not by a message to the clinic.

This page cannot tell you which medicine to take, what dose to use, or whether an operation is required. It does not replace examination by a qualified clinician. Symptoms alone cannot confirm a diagnosis.

Common symptoms

• Repeated sneezing, often in bursts
• Itchy nose, eyes, or palate
• Clear runny nose or nasal blockage
• Watery eyes or post-nasal drip
• Symptoms linked to particular seasons or environments

Possible causes

These are possibilities clinicians consider. Having one of them does not prove it is the cause.

• Pollen, dust mites, mould, or animal dander
• Smoke, strong fragrance, and pollution can aggravate symptoms
• Family tendency to allergic conditions

Practical care

• Reduce exposure to triggers you have identified; avoid smoke and strong fragrances.
• Wash hands/face after outdoor exposure if pollen is a trigger.
• If using nasal irrigation, use sterile/distilled water or water boiled and cooled.
• Ask a clinician or pharmacist about suitable treatments, especially for children, pregnancy, or other conditions.
• If nasal rinsing has been advised, use sterile or distilled water, or water that was boiled and then cooled. Never use untreated tap water in the nose.

When to arrange an ENT visit

• Seek assessment if symptoms disturb sleep, school/work, breathing through the nose, or keep recurring. A clinician may assess allergies, nasal inflammation, and related sinus or asthma symptoms.

What may happen at the clinic

The clinician may assess triggers, nasal inflammation, and related asthma or sinus symptoms. A treatment plan may include trigger reduction and appropriate nasal or allergy medicines selected for the individual.

Questions worth asking

• What are the likely explanations in my case, and what would make you think otherwise?
• Is a hearing test, endoscopy or scan needed now, or only if the examination suggests it?
• What can I safely do at home, and which warning signs mean I should seek emergency care?

Related reading

Sources

• www.nhs.uk
• www.cdc.gov

This page is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by a qualified clinician. Symptoms can have several causes. Seek emergency care for urgent warning signs.

To arrange an in-person assessment, contact Pal ENT Clinic & Research Centre to ask about appointment availability. Do not use WhatsApp for emergency symptoms.

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