Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that affects the nose and often the eyes. It’s often known as nasal allergies. Nasal allergies are often due to things in the environment that are breathed in. Depending on what you're sensitive to, nasal allergies may occur only during certain seasons, or they may occur year-round. Common indoor allergens include house dust mites, mold, cockroaches, and pet dander. Outdoor allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds.
Symptoms include a runny, stuffy, or itchy nose. They also include sneezing and red and itchy eyes. You may feel tired more often. Severe allergies may also affect your breathing and set off a condition called asthma.
Tests can be done to see what allergens are affecting you. You may be referred to an allergy specialist for testing and further evaluation.
Home care
Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help relieve allergy symptoms. These may include oral medicines, nasal sprays, or eye drops. Use these as directed by your provider. Don't share these prescription medicines with others.
Ask your provider for advice on how to stay away from substances that you're allergic to. Below are a few tips for each type of allergen.
Pet dander:
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Don't keep pets with fur and feathers.
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If you have a pet, keep it out of your bedroom and off upholstered furniture.
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Don't pet, hug, or kiss the pet. If you do touch the pet, wash your hands afterward.
Pollen:
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When pollen counts are high, keep the windows of your car and home closed. If you can, use an air conditioner instead.
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Wear a filter mask when you mow the lawn or do yard work. Shower, wash your hair, and change clothes after being outside.
House dust mites:
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Wash bedding every week in hot water and detergent, and dry on a hot setting.
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Cover the mattress, box spring, and pillows with allergy covers.
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If you can, sleep in a room with no carpet, curtains, or upholstered furniture.
Cockroaches:
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Store food in sealed containers.
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Keep cabinets and floors clean and free of food crumbs.
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Remove garbage from the home promptly.
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Fix water leaks.
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Block all areas where cockroaches can enter the home. Or have a professional exterminator remove the cockroaches.
Mold:
In general:
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Vacuum once or twice a week. If you can, use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
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Don't smoke. Stay away from cigarette smoke. And don't let people smoke in your home or car. Cigarette smoke is an irritant that can make symptoms worse.
Follow-up care
Follow up as advised by the health care provider. If you were referred to an allergy specialist, make this appointment promptly. Ask your provider if allergy testing or allergy immunotherapy (such as allergy shots) are right for you.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider right away if you have:
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A cough.
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.
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Raised red bumps (hives).
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Symptoms that are new, continue, or get worse.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if you have:
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Trouble breathing.
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Severe swelling of the face or severe itching of the eyes or mouth.
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Wheezing or shortness of breath.
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Chest tightness.
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Dizziness or lightheadedness.
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A feeling of doom.
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Stomach pain, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.