Allergic Rhinitis

• Signs and Symptoms
• Treatment Options
• Complications
• Lifestyle Modifications
• Triggers

• Sneezing.
• Conjunctivitis.
• Dark circles under the eyes.
• Dennie-morgan line or puffy eyelids.
• Nasal crease and salute.
• Long face syndrome: a disorder to which the face grows in an excessive amount in the vertical dimension.
• Allergic shiners.
• Itchy nostrils, palate or ears.
• Nasal obstruction or congestion.
• Rhinorrhoea or postnasal drip.

• Intranasal corticosteroids: can be available over the counter.
• Antihistamines.
• Decongestants.
• Nasal steroid sprays: takes several days to fully take effect.
• Leukotriene pathway inhibitors.
• Immunotherapy: can help achieve long term control.

• Otitis media with effusions.
• Decreased quality of life.
• Long face syndrome.
• Sinusitis.

• Try to avoid triggers
• Avoid using fans which can draw pollen, moulds or dust into the house
• Wear sunglasses or normal glasses to protect your eyes from outdoor irritants
• If you are working in your garden, wear a pollen mask and take appropriate prophylactic medication beforehand
• Try to hang your clothes indoors instead of outdoors to dry to prevent outdoor irritants clinging onto the clothing, especially towels and sheets
• Avoid rubbing your eyes when they are irritated
• Wash your hands after touching pets and wash clothes after visiting homes of friends who have pets
• Limit outdoor activities and keep windows and doors closed as much as possible during pollen seasons
• Remove carpets from the bedroom
• Try and keep the pets off furniture, out of your bedroom and try to have them washed weekly
• To kill dust mites, wash bedding in hot water

• Outdoor irritants such as grass, pollen, trees, weeds, dust, etc.
• Indoor allergens such as pet dander, pet hair, dust mites, mould, etc.
• Cigarette smoke, strong perfumes, exhaust fumes.

^{Last reviewed : 5 May 2024}