Overview
Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated reaction to pollen, dust mite or animal dander. Inflammation of the nasal lining causes sneezing, congestion, itch and a runny nose, often with eye and throat symptoms.
Tree pollen dominates in spring, grass pollen in early summer and weed pollen in late summer, which helps identify your trigger and when to start preventive treatment.
When to seek urgent medical help
- • Wheeze, chest tightness or breathlessness
- • One-sided nasal blockage, bleeding or facial pain
- • Symptoms not responding to maximal treatment
Symptoms and signs
- Sneezing bouts and a clear runny nose
- Nasal congestion and loss of smell
- Itchy, watery or red eyes
- Itchy palate, throat or ears
- Fatigue and poor sleep during the pollen season
- Worsening asthma symptoms during peak pollen
Management and treatment
Intranasal corticosteroid sprays are the single most effective treatment and work best when started two weeks before your season and used daily with correct technique. Antihistamines add control of sneezing, itch and eye symptoms.
Your ChatDoc doctor builds a stepped plan matched to your trigger and severity, prescribes the combination that works and covers spray technique, which is the commonest reason treatment fails.
Prescription treatment options
Intranasal corticosteroid spray
Daily preventive treatment (for example mometasone or fluticasone) that controls all nasal symptoms.
Non-sedating antihistamines
Daily cetirizine or fexofenadine for sneezing, itch and eye symptoms.
Combination nasal spray
Steroid plus antihistamine spray for moderate to severe symptoms that persist.
Eye drops and allergen avoidance
Mast cell stabiliser drops plus practical pollen avoidance measures.
Any prescription is issued only after a doctor has reviewed your case and considers the treatment safe and appropriate for you.
Your online Hay Fever & Allergies assessment
- 1
Tell us about your concern
Share symptoms, past treatments, medicines and relevant health information.
- 2
Upload clear photos
Upload photos of your concern where applicable.
- 3
Doctor reviews your case
Technology helps organise your answers, but every assessment and prescription decision is made by a doctor, who may message you if they need more information.
- 4
Get your personalised plan
A personalised prescription is issued if treatment is clinically appropriate.
Prognosis and outlook
Nasal sprays reach full effect after 1-2 weeks of daily use, with most people achieving good control through the season.
For symptoms that remain severe despite optimal treatment, immunotherapy through an allergy service can offer lasting benefit.
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This page is general medical information and does not replace a personal consultation. Always seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms. ChatDoc is not an emergency service. Call 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) for life-threatening emergencies or 111 for urgent non-emergency help. Do not wait for an online reply.