Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis Illnesses and conditions Ears, nose and throat Allergic rhinitis Allergic rhinitis Allergic rhinitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the inside of the nose. Its caused by an allergen, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin from certain animals. Its a very common condition. For most people its easy to treat with medicines from a pharmacist. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis Allergic rhinitis usually causes cold-like symptoms , such as: sneezing itchiness a blocked or runny nose These symptoms usually start soon after coming into contact with something youre allergic to. Some people only get allergic rhinitis seasonally because theyre allergic to things like tree or grass pollen. Other people get allergic rhinitis all year round. When to get medical advice Speak to your GP practice if: you have allergic rhinitis and your symptoms get worse you also have asthma and its getting worse your symptoms are affecting your sleep and everyday life youre not sure whats causing your symptoms treatments from a pharmacist are not working Diagnosing allergic rhinitis Your GP will usually be able to diagnose allergic rhinitis from your symptoms and any triggers you may have noticed. If the cause of your condition is uncertain, you may be referred for allergy testing. Treatment for allergic rhinitis Treatment for allergic rhinitis depends on how severe your symptoms are. Things you can do to help your symptoms If you have mild allergic rhinitis, you can often treat the symptoms yourself. Do take over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines clean your nasal passages with a salt water solution avoid triggers if you can Always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine before taking it. Follow the recommended dosage instructions. If youre not sure which treatments are suitable for you or your child, speak to a pharmacist for advice. How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution Boil a pint of water, then leave it to cool. Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water. Wash your hands. Stand over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it. Sniff the water into 1 nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat. Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day until your nose feels more comfortable. You do not need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh solution each time you clean your nose. Medication Medication wont cure your allergy, but it can be used to treat the symptoms. Speak to your GP practice if your symptoms do not improve 2 weeks after starting medicine. They may prescribe a stronger medication such as a nasal spray containing corticosteroids . What causes allergic rhinitis? Allergic rhinitis is caused by breathing in tiny particles that youre allergic to. The most common allergens in the air that cause rhinitis are: house dust mites pollen and spores flakes of animal skin wood dust flour dust latex Youre more likely to develop an allergy if theres a history of allergies in your family. Complications of allergic rhinitis Allergic rhinitis can lead to complications in some cases. These include: nasal polyps  abnormal but non-cancerous (benign) growths inside the nose and sinuses sinusitis  inflammation that blocks the sinuses so mucus cannot drain into your nose as usual blockage of the middle ear  due to a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum These problems can often be treated with medication. Surgery is sometimes needed in severe or long-term cases.