Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation (redness and swelling) of the inside of the nose. An allergen causes it, such as pollen, dust, mould, or flakes of skin from certain animals.

It's a very common condition, and for most people it's easy to treat with medicines from a pharmacist.

Allergic rhinitis usually causes symptoms that feel like a cold, such as:

• sneezing
• itchiness
• a blocked or runny nose

These symptoms usually start soon after you come into contact with something you're allergic to.

Some people get allergic rhinitis only in certain seasons, because they're allergic to things like tree or grass pollen. Others have it all year round.

• your allergic rhinitis symptoms get worse
• you also have asthma and it's getting worse
• your symptoms are affecting your sleep and everyday life
• you're not sure what's causing your symptoms
• medicines from a pharmacist are not working

A doctor can usually diagnose allergic rhinitis from your symptoms and from any triggers you've noticed yourself. If the cause isn't clear, you may be referred for allergy testing.

• take over-the-counter medicines, 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 you take it, and follow the dosage instructions. If you're not sure which treatments suit you or your child, ask a pharmacist.

• 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 let the water 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 don't need to use all of the solution, but make a fresh batch each time you clean your nose.

Medicine won't cure your allergy (allergic rhinitis), but it can treat the symptoms. If your symptoms haven't improved 2 weeks after you start the medicine, see your doctor. They may prescribe a stronger medicine, such as a nasal spray containing corticosteroids.

Allergic rhinitis happens when you breathe in tiny particles that you're allergic to. These are called allergens, and the ones in the air that most often cause it are:

• house dust mites
• pollen and spores
• flakes of animal skin
• wood dust
• flour dust
• latex

You're also more likely to develop an allergy if allergies run in your family.

Allergic rhinitis can lead to complications in some cases. These include:

• nasal polyps, which are abnormal but non-cancerous (benign) growths inside the nose and sinuses
• sinusitis, which is inflammation that blocks the sinuses so mucus cannot drain into your nose as usual
• blockage of the middle ear, caused by a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum

These problems can often be treated with medicine. Surgery is sometimes needed in severe or long-term cases.