A lingering runny nose, sneezing, and itchy nose are a familiar picture for many. We explain when it is specifically allergic rhinitis, how it manifests in adults, and which tests help confirm the cause.
What allergic rhinitis is
It is irritation of the nasal mucosa in response to contact with something to which you are allergic. Allergic rhinitis occurs due to an allergic reaction to an irritant, such as pollen, and can cause sneezing and other symptoms. Symptoms usually appear within a few minutes after such contact.
Common causes include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds (hay fever), house dust mites, cat and dog hair and dander, mold, wood and flour dust, and latex. The risk is higher if you or your relatives have allergies, eczema, or asthma.
In spring, summer, and autumn, trees, weeds, and grasses release pollen; some of it enters the nose and throat and can trigger hay fever.
Allergic rhinitis differs from non-allergic rhinitis, which is caused by a cold, very hot or very cold air, and humidity.
Symptoms: runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion
The typical set includes sneezing, itchy nose, discharge or congestion, cough, and itchy palate. With hay fever, sneezing is often accompanied by a runny nose or nasal congestion; cough and postnasal drip are possible, as well as itching in the nose and throat. The set of symptoms may differ from person to person.
Another sign that is called hay fever is dark circles under the eyes.
Eyes in allergic rhinitis
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include itchy, red, and watery eyes, along with a runny nose and sneezing.
How allergic rhinitis differs from a cold
The symptoms are similar, but the logic is different. A short cheat sheet for "allergy or cold":
- Timing: allergy — within minutes after contact with the allergen.
- Itching: itching in the nose, eyes, and palate is among the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
- Trigger: pollen, dust, animals, mold. If the reaction is caused not by an allergen but by heat, cold, or humidity, this is non-allergic rhinitis.
- Company: the risk is higher if the person or their relatives have allergies, eczema, or asthma.
Which tests and examinations are performed
A doctor can make the diagnosis based on examination and a description of symptoms. The doctor assesses the symptoms and performs an examination; sometimes a skin allergy test and a blood allergy test are used — they help determine what exactly the body is reacting to. If the cause is unclear or the symptoms are severe, the person may be referred to a specialist for additional tests and treatment.
When to see a doctor
Reasons to see a doctor: symptoms worsen, asthma worsens against the background of allergy, a runny nose interferes with sleep and work, it is unclear what exactly causes the reaction, and home measures do not help.
Allergic rhinitis by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 — for a life-threatening condition, such as severe difficulty breathing.
This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation: with a lingering runny nose, it is calmer to see a specialist than to guess based on symptoms.
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This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer