Allergic rhinitis - Hay fever

Very low urgency
Very common-

It is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose. 

Depending on the triggering cause, it is classified into allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. In the former, there is an immunological reaction to certain substances known as allergens.  

The most common symptom is nasal obstruction by mucous content, usually a clear liquid. It is accompanied by irritation of the wings of the nose, itchy eyes, reddening of the conjunctiva, sneezing, irritative cough, and nasal voice. In severe cases, there may be shortness of breath that worsens when lying down. During the night they can interfere with the ability to fall asleep, generating other symptoms such as headache, difficulty concentrating, etc. 

Diagnosis is made through clinical history, physical examination, blood tests and allergy skin tests. 

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the triggering cause and alleviating the symptoms: nasal decongestants, corticoids and washing of the nostrils with hypertonic seawater saline solution.

Bibliographic references
  1. David Peden. An overview of rhinitis. UpToDate. Jun 16, 2016.
  2. Brozek JL, Bousquet J, Baena-Cagnani CE, et al. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines: 2010 revision. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2010; 126:466.
  3. Wallace DV, Dykewicz MS, Bernstein DI, et al. The diagnosis and management of rhinitis: an updated practice parameter. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2008; 122:S1.
  4. Gautrin D, Desrosiers M, Castano R. Occupational rhinitis. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2006; 6:77
  5. Joshua A. Boyce, K. Frank Austen. Trastornos de la lesión mediada por mecanismos inmunitarios. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición. 2121: 2124
  6. T. Gallart. Enfermedades alérgicas mediadas por anticuerpos IgE (Hipersensibilidad inmediata o alergia atópica). Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición.2708:2709.
Author
Dr. Oscar Garcia-Esquirol
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Sneezing


    Nose blocked with mucus


    Itchy nose


    Runny nose


    Itchy eye

Symptoms to watch out for

Heavy nosebleeds that do not stop with local compression
Recurrent episodes of rhinitis
History of another type of allergy
History of asthma

Self-care

Avoid exposure to the allergen (dust mites, pollen, fungi, animal fur, etc.).
Use saline sprays to remove allergens from the nasal passages.
Consult with your primary care physician regarding the prescription of glucocorticoid nasal sprays.
For nasal congestion and runny nose, use nasal inhalers containing antihistamines and/or decongestants.