Allergic rhinitis
Overview
Allergic rhinitis is where your nose gets irritated by something you're allergic to, such as pollen, causing sneezing and other symptoms. For most people it's easy to treat with medicines from a pharmacist.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold and include: sneezingan itchy nosea runny or blocked noseitchy, red and watery eyesa coughthe roof of your mouth being itchy This usually happens within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to.
Causes
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction. Common allergies include: pollen from trees, grass and weeds (hay fever)house dust mitesanimals such as dogs and catsmouldwood dust, flour dust and latex You're more likely to get an allergy if people in your family also have them or conditions such aseczemaandasthma. Allergic rhinitis is different fromnon-allergic rhinitis, which is caused by things like having a cold, very hot or cold temperatures and humidity.
Treatment
If pharmacy medicines do not help ease your allergic rhinitis symptoms, a GP may prescribe a different medicine, such as prescriptionsteroid nasal spraysorantihistamines. You may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment if it's not clear what's causing your symptoms or they're severe.
Prevention
If you have allergic rhinitis, it's not always possible to avoid the things you're allergic to. But there are steps you can take to try to help reduce your symptoms. wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen use hypoallergenic bedding and covers, and wash bedding regularly at 60C and above use hypoallergenic bedding and covers, and wash bedding regularly at 60C and above dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter wash pets at least once every 2 weeks and groom them outside regularly wash pets at least once every 2 weeks and groom them outside regularly regularly wash your pet's bedding and clean any furniture they've been on regularly wash your pet's bedding and clean any furniture they've been on keep your home dry and well-ventilated, and deal with any damp and condensation keep your home dry and well-ventilated, and deal with any damp and condensation do not allow pets in bedrooms do not allow pets in bedrooms do not go outside or dry clothes outside when the pollen count is high, if possible do not go outside or dry clothes outside when the pollen count is high, if possible