Allergic reaction causing nasal inflammation. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Allergic reaction causing nasal inflammation
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic response to specific allergens causing inflammation of the nasal passages.
It is triggered by airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may review the trigger pattern, exposure, symptom timing, severity, medicines and personal or family allergy history. Selected tests may support, but do not replace, a careful history.
Care may include avoidance, treatment of acute symptoms, antihistamine or inhaler plans when appropriate, and a clear emergency action plan if reactions can be severe.
When to seek prompt care
Use emergency care for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with dizziness or collapse, severe vomiting after exposure, or any suspected anaphylaxis.
Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
Possible causes
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Mold
- Genetic predisposition
Care and treatment options
- Antihistamines
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Allergy shots
- Avoidance of triggers
Key points
- Affects 10-30% of population
- Can be seasonal or perennial
- Often runs in families
- Manageable with treatment
Preparing for a consultation
- Suspected triggers and exact timing of reactions.
- Foods, medicines, insects or environmental exposures.
- Severity of past reactions and response to treatment.
- Current medicines and any prescribed emergency treatment.
Questions worth asking
- Is Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)?
Allergic reaction causing nasal inflammation This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)?
A clinician may review the trigger pattern, exposure, symptom timing, severity, medicines and personal or family allergy history. Selected tests may support, but do not replace, a careful history.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Antihistamines, Nasal corticosteroids, Decongestants, Allergy shots. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) be checked urgently?
Use emergency care for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with dizziness or collapse, severe vomiting after exposure, or any suspected anaphylaxis.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Suspected triggers and exact timing of reactions. Foods, medicines, insects or environmental exposures. Severity of past reactions and response to treatment. Current medicines and any prescribed emergency treatment. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.