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Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a nose allergy that can cause sneezing, an itchy or blocked nose, and watery eyes. Learn how to spot likely triggers, reduce exposure, and choose when to get advice.

Consensus-GuidanceReviewed: Jul 31, 2026

Editorial review complete

Independent clinical validation is pending.

Validation pending

Quick Reference Facts

System AffinityRespiratory
Diagnostic StandardClinical evaluation & serum biomarkers
Urgency Levelroutine
Evidence GradeConsensus-Guidance

Visual guide

Understanding nasal passages
A fresh-air moment
A closer look at allergens

In simple words

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever causing sneezing and nasal congestion) happens when the nose reacts to an allergen such as pollen, dust mites, mould, or animal dander. It is not an infection. Symptoms can be seasonal or happen throughout the year, and may overlap with asthma or eczema in some people.

What it means

It is an allergic inflammation of the inside of the nose. It commonly affects the eyes too and may overlap with asthma or eczema.

Common causes

  • IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation triggered by airborne aeroallergens (pollens, dust mites, mold spores, animal dander) [D0005-KEYNOTES, CIT-0038]
  • Early-phase histamine and leukotriene release causing vasodilation and rhinorrhea
  • Late-phase eosinophilic and T-lymphocyte mucosal infiltration maintaining chronic nasal congestion

Risk Factors

  • Personal or family history of atopic diseases (eczema, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis)
  • Exposure to secondhand environmental tobacco smoke, air pollution, or occupational sensitizers
  • Early exposure to indoor house dust mites and pet allergens

Common symptoms

  • Paroxysmal sneezing bursts occurring repeatedly upon waking or allergen exposure [D0005-KEYNOTES, CIT-0038]
  • Profuse, clear, watery nasal discharge (rhinorrhea) with anterior and posterior nasal drip
  • Bilateral nasal airway obstruction and turbinate hypertrophy
  • Pruritus of the nose, palate, throat, and conjunctiva with lacrimation

Lifestyle & diet support

Notice when symptoms occur and reduce personal triggers where practical. Saline rinses can help some people. Ask a pharmacist or clinician about safe use of antihistamines and nasal sprays; do not overuse decongestant sprays.

Treatment Approaches

Conventional Management

Standard therapy includes allergen avoidance, second-generation non-sedating oral H1-antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroid sprays, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and allergen immunotherapy [CIT-0038].

Homeopathic Approach

Reliable clinical evidence has not established homeopathy as a treatment for allergic rhinitis. It should not replace trigger management, evidence-based allergy treatment, or emergency care for breathing or swelling symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call emergency services for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe wheeze, faintness or widespread hives with feeling unwell. These are not routine hay-fever symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated non-infectious allergic response with clear discharge, nasal/eye itching, and absence of fever [D0005-KEYNOTES, CIT-0038]. A common cold is a viral infection presenting with thick discolored mucus, throat pain, body aches, and low-grade fever.
No. Reliable clinical evidence has not established homeopathy as a treatment for allergic rhinitis. It should not replace trigger management, allergy medicines advised by a clinician or pharmacist, or emergency care for a severe allergic reaction.
Clinical & academic detailShow detail

Diagnosis & tests

Investigation Protocol

Diagnosed via clinical history of symptoms following allergen exposure, anterior rhinoscopy showing pale bluish boggy turbinates, and allergen-specific IgE testing or skin prick testing [CIT-0038].

Differential Diagnosis

Differentiate from non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, infectious rhinosinusitis, rhinitis medicamentosa (overuse of topical decongestants), nasal polyposis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea.

Differential Diagnosis Matrix

Differential Diagnosis Overview

Differentiate from non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, infectious rhinosinusitis, rhinitis medicamentosa (overuse of topical decongestants), nasal polyposis, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea.

Reference Citations & Evidence Sources

Clinical Guidelines & Consensus Statements
  • CIT-0020National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (EPR-3)." National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) (2007).
  • CIT-0021Brożek J. L., Bousquet J., Agache I., et al.. "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines—2016 revision." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2017).DOI PubMed
  • CIT-0038Bousquet J., Schünemann H. J., Samolinski B.. "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) Guidelines: 2020 Revision." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2020).
Clinical Reviews & Textbooks
  • CIT-0022Jethwani N.. "Internal Clinical Review Note: Standard Reference Values and Homeopathic Therapeutic Mappings for Lab Diagnostics." Homeo Healthcare Internal Review Series (2026).

Clinical Connections

Related Comparisons

Viral vs Allergic Rhinitis
Patient Clinical Support

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