Nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis): symptoms, causes and treatment in Lahore

Understand the condition

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nose caused by an allergic response to airborne allergens. Often called hay fever or nasal allergy, it commonly affects the eyes too. Despite the name, hay fever does not itself cause a fever. ^[1]

Symptoms may appear during particular pollen seasons or continue throughout the year with indoor exposures. The aim is to identify relevant triggers and control symptoms without unnecessary tests or repeated changes of medication.

Common nasal allergy symptoms

The pattern matters: symptoms during cleaning, around animals or at particular times of year can provide useful clues. Persistent throat mucus is explained in our post-nasal drip guide . ^[1]

What causes nasal allergy?

Common airborne allergens include house dust mites, grass, weed and tree pollens, mould spores and animal dander . Exposure and sensitisation vary between people; a trigger should fit your actual symptom history. ^[2]

For year-round symptoms, explore our dust-mite allergy guide .

Is it allergy, a cold or sinusitis?

Rhinitis and sinusitis are related but distinct conditions. Persistent facial pain, reduced smell or one-sided symptoms deserve assessment. Antibiotics are not routinely needed for sinusitis. ^[4]

Testing with a purpose

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

Assessment begins with your symptom pattern, home and workplace exposures, medicines and a clinical examination. Tell your doctor about seasonality, sleep disruption, previous nasal sprays and any wheeze or breathlessness.

When can allergy testing help?

Testing is useful when identifying the allergen would guide avoidance measures, treatment or immunotherapy. Skin prick testing or an allergen-specific IgE blood test may be appropriate. A positive result shows sensitisation; it must be interpreted alongside your symptoms. Not every positive result explains your nasal problems. ^[5]

At Australian Polyclinic, we provide skin prick allergy testing , with reactions generally assessed approximately 15 minutes after testing. Ask for preparation instructions, as some antihistamines can affect results. Allergen-specific IgE blood testing, when required, is arranged through an external laboratory.

Routine food-allergy screening is not the usual investigation for isolated nasal allergy. CT scans and sinus X-rays are also not routine tests for uncomplicated allergic rhinitis; persistent or atypical symptoms may require ENT assessment. ^{[1] [5]}

Allergic rhinitis treatment

Treatment depends on symptom severity, triggers and the effect on your life. The following options can be discussed with your clinician or pharmacist. ^[6]

Antibiotics do not treat nasal allergy. Steroid tablets and steroid eye drops are not routine self-treatment; persistent eye symptoms or uncontrolled nasal symptoms need review.

Make your nasal spray work better

1. Gently clear your nose; shake and prime the bottle as instructed.
2. Lean your head slightly forwards and keep the bottle upright.
3. Aim towards the outer wall of the nostril, away from the central dividing wall. Using the opposite hand can help.
4. Breathe in gently rather than sniffing hard. Clean the nozzle as directed.

Ask for a technique check if symptoms persist, or if you develop repeated nosebleeds or irritation. ^[9]

Practical steps at home

• Dust mites: wash bedding regularly at 60°C where the fabric permits, consider allergen-resistant mattress and pillow covers, and reduce dampness.
• Pollen: limit exposure when it triggers symptoms and avoid drying bedding outdoors during high-pollen periods.
• Animal dander: keep animals out of the bedroom if they are a relevant trigger; discuss further measures if symptoms remain significant.
• Mould: repair leaks, address dampness and remove visible mould safely.
• Irritants: avoid tobacco smoke and reduce exposure to fragrances or fumes that worsen symptoms.

Environmental measures may help, but improvement varies. They complement treatment rather than guaranteeing symptom relief. ^[10]

For selected patients

Can allergy injections help nasal allergy?

Allergen immunotherapy gradually changes the immune response to a specific allergen. It may be considered when a clinically relevant allergy is confirmed and symptoms remain troublesome despite appropriate treatment, or medicines are poorly tolerated.

It is a long-term commitment, commonly lasting three to five years. Benefits vary, and a permanent cure is not guaranteed. Asthma should be controlled before treatment. Injections require medical supervision and observation for at least 30 minutes afterwards because allergic reactions can occur. ^[11]

Explore our Allergy Centre Lahore for consultation, testing and treatment information.

Nasal allergy, asthma and persistent cough

Nasal allergy and asthma often occur together. Treating nasal symptoms is part of coordinated airway care, but it does not replace asthma treatment. Tell your doctor about wheeze, chest tightness, night-time coughing or breathlessness. ^[12]

Read our asthma patient guide , explore asthma assessment in Lahore , or learn about other causes in our persistent cough guide .

When should you seek medical help?

Arrange review if symptoms disrupt sleep or daily activities, keep returning, or persist despite correctly used treatment. One-sided blockage, recurrent bleeding, reduced smell or suspected nasal polyps may need further assessment.

Related patient guides