Allergic rhinitis is the medical term for nasal symptoms caused by an allergic response. When you breathe in an allergen your immune system reacts in the lining of the nose, releasing chemicals such as histamine that cause sneezing, itching, a runny nose, congestion, and often itchy, watery eyes. Hay fever is the seasonal form, usually triggered by pollens, while perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis is more often caused by indoor triggers like house dust mites, mould spores, or animal dander.
The condition is very common and frequently occurs alongside other allergic conditions such as asthma and eczema. Although rarely dangerous, it can significantly affect sleep, concentration, and quality of life, and poorly controlled nasal allergy can make co-existing asthma harder to manage.
Management combines reducing exposure to the trigger with medicines such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays. Identifying the cause, sometimes with allergy testing, helps target avoidance measures. A pharmacist can suggest over-the-counter treatments, and a doctor can review your symptoms, check for related asthma, and discuss further options if standard treatment is not enough.