Allergic rhinitis FAQ: Everything you need to know

In his latest online article, esteemed consultant ENT surgeon Mr Steven Lewis explains everything you need to know about allergic rhinitis. He answers patients’ most frequently asked questions, including the causes, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

What are the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis presents in a variety of ways, but the primary symptoms are nasal obstruction with either itching or watering from the nose as well.

How can I tell the difference between allergic rhinitis and a cold?

They have some common features. Of course, allergic rhinitis happens in response to an allergic trigger, so it may be something which is triggered by environmental issues. Grass pollen would be very obvious. They both come with nasal obstruction and the potential for the nose to be running, but allergic rhinitis wouldn't come with a temperature or other symptoms. similarly, a viral upper respiratory tract infection may present with similar features to allergic rhinitis but wouldn't have itching, for example.

What are some triggers for allergic rhinitis?

The most common airborne allergic triggers are grass and tree pollen or allergy to pets. Cat and dog allergies are very common, for example. People are often allergic to the house dust mite, which can cause more of a problem when they're indoors more in the winter or in the evening. And of course, there are some unusual allergies like occupational allergies.

How can I prevent allergic rhinitis flare-ups?

Well, I suppose the first thing would be to know what you're allergic to and try to avoid it. Simple avoidance is the easiest way to avoid allergic rhinitis, though that isn't always possible. I'm a big fan of allergy tests, either skin prick allergy tests or blood RAST tests so that people understand what they're allergic to and have a chance to avoid those triggers. But if we're not able to avoid those allergic triggers, then being prepared is reasonable. Having a daily antihistamine or an anti-inflammatory spray would be helpful.

What are some over-the-counter medications for allergic rhinitis?

It depends a little on the severity of the condition. If patients suffer from itching eyes in the grass pollen hay fever season, cromoglicate eye drops are very good for settling down this symptom. It's useful to use simple saline sprays to wash the allergen from the nose, and that requires no prescription at all.

When should I see a doctor for allergic rhinitis?

If symptoms are severe or if they're frequent enough, they're affecting the activities of daily life, and if simple over-the-counter regimes aren't working, then of course it's reasonable to speak to your doctor.

Are there any natural remedies for allergic rhinitis?

One of my predecessors was a beekeeper as well as an ENT surgeon, and he was very keen on the idea of local honey, although I don't know how much evidence there is for that. I think allergen avoidance and saline spray are very helpful in the early stages.

What is the difference between seasonal allergies and perennial allergies?

To understand the difference, we can look at two examples. One would be tree pollen allergy, where in the early part of the spring tree pollen is at its height and patients with a tree pollen allergy suffer for a few weeks of the year.

If a patient is allergic to his own cat or another airborne allergic trigger in his work or home environment, then that can seem to be a constant problem rather than a seasonal problem because of how the allergen is presented.

Mr Steven Lewis is a renowned consultant ENT surgeon based in Droitwich. If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Lewis you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.