RA
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Mild severity
· MD Medicine
Allergic Rhinitis
Hay fever · Sneezy itchy nose
The nasal lining over-reacts to allergens — pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mould — causing sneezing, congestion and itching.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- 20–30% of urban Indians
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Easily treated
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified MD Medicine doctor
What causes it
Causes
- House dust mites
- Tree, grass, weed pollen
- Pet dander
- Mould spores
- Cockroach allergen
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Sneezing in bouts
- Runny clear nose
- Itchy nose, eyes, throat
- Nasal congestion
- Reduced sleep, fatigue
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Daily nasal steroid spray
- Non-sedating antihistamine
- Saline nasal irrigation
- Allergen immunotherapy in resistant cases
- Treat associated asthma
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Allergen-proof bedding
- Wash bedsheets in hot water weekly
- Avoid carpets if dust mite allergic
- Window AC over open windows in pollen season
Do’s
- Use nasal steroid daily, not on demand
- Saline rinse before nasal steroid
- Wash hair after outdoor pollen exposure
- Treat early to prevent sinusitis
Don’ts
- Spray decongestant nasal sprays over 5 days
- Use sedating antihistamines for driving
- Ignore associated wheeze
- Self-prescribe oral steroids
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all md medicine doctors Top 4 doctors for Allergic Rhinitis
Ranked by patient rating, years of experience and review volume. All verified by MediConsult’s clinical team.
RS
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BS
3
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.