Allergic Rhinitis: Putting an End to a Runny Nose
Pollens, dust mites, animals: understand to treat better.
Dr. Nadia Kouri
Allergist-Immunologist
In simple terms
Allergic rhinitis affects 20 to 30% of the population. From antihistamines to desensitization treatments, solutions exist.
What you need to remember
- Diagnosis — Skin prick tests**: results in 20 minutes, gold standard method
- Treatments — Avoidance**: limit contact with the allergen (anti-dust mite covers, air filters, limit outdoor activities during pollen peaks)
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal lining triggered by exposure to an allergen. It can be seasonal (pollens) or perennial (dust mites, animals, molds).
Typical Symptoms
- Sneezing in bursts
- Clear rhinorrhea (runny nose like water)
- Nasal obstruction
- Nasal itching
- Frequent associated conjunctivitis (red eyes, watery eyes)
Diagnosis
- Skin prick tests: results in 20 minutes, gold standard method
- Specific IgE levels: blood test, useful when skin tests are not feasible
Treatments
- Avoidance: limit contact with the allergen (anti-dust mite covers, air filters, limit outdoor activities during pollen peaks)
- Oral antihistamines: cetirizine, loratadine, bilastine. Prefer non-sedating 2nd generation ones.
- Nasal corticosteroids: fluticasone, mometasone. More effective than antihistamines for nasal obstruction.
- Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization): the only treatment that modifies the natural history of the disease. Duration: 3-5 years sublingual or injection.
Untreated allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for asthma. Treating it also protects your bronchi.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Inflammation
- The body's reaction to injury or irritation: redness, swelling, heat or pain.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
- Diagnosis
- The moment a doctor identifies which illness is causing your symptoms.
- Risk factor
- Something that makes an illness more likely, such as smoking or family history.
- Immune system
- Your body's defence team: cells that fight germs and repair damage.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Allergic Rhinitis: Putting an End to a Runny Nose?
- Allergic rhinitis affects 20 to 30% of the population. From antihistamines to desensitization treatments, solutions exist.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Allergic Rhinitis: Putting an End to a Runny Nose?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Allergic Rhinitis: Putting an End to a Runny Nose?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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