Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation and irritation in the nasal passages, throat, and eyes. It is commonly referred to as hay fever.

Allergic rhinitis can occur throughout the year or seasonally and is caused by exposure to different allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold spores. The severity of allergic rhinitis varies from person to person. In this article, we will discuss the most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Nasal Symptoms

The most common symptom of allergic rhinitis is nasal congestion, which is caused by inflammation in the nasal lining. Congestion can make it difficult to breathe through the nose and may contribute to headaches and sinus pain.

Additionally, people with allergic rhinitis may experience rhinorrhea, which is the medical term for a runny nose. Rhinorrhea may be both watery and thick in appearance. Sneezing is also a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, and people with this condition may experience multiple sneezes in a row.

Eye Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis can also cause eye symptoms. The most common eye symptom is itching, which can be severe and persistent. People with allergic rhinitis may also experience redness, burning, and a sense of grittiness in the eyes.

Additionally, allergic rhinitis can cause watery discharge from the eyes, which is commonly referred to as tearing.

Throat Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis may also cause irritation and inflammation in the throat. People may experience a sore throat, scratchy throat, or a feeling of dryness in the throat.

Additionally, some people may experience coughing, which is often due to post-nasal drip. This is when mucus drips down the back of the throat from the nasal passages.

Fatigue

People with allergic rhinitis may experience fatigue or tiredness. This can be due to the body’s immune response to the allergen, which requires a lot of energy and resources.

Additionally, allergens can disrupt sleep patterns, which can also contribute to fatigue.

Ear Symptoms

Another common symptom of allergic rhinitis is ear symptoms. These can include ear pain, pressure, and popping sensations. These symptoms are often due to inflammation in the nasal passages, which can spread to the ear tubes and cause discomfort.

People with allergic rhinitis may also experience a decrease in their sense of smell or taste.

Sinus Symptoms

Allergic rhinitis can also cause sinus pressure and pain. The sinuses are located in the forehead, cheeks, and behind the eyes, and are connected to the nasal passages. When the nasal passages are inflamed, it can cause pressure and pain in the sinuses.

This can cause a feeling of fullness or discomfort in the face.

Skin Symptoms

Some people with allergic rhinitis may develop skin symptoms, particularly if they have a skin allergy. These symptoms can include hives or welts on the skin, redness and itchiness.

Contact dermatitis, which is a rash caused by contact with an irritant, is also possible in some cases. Contact dermatitis can be caused by exposure to plants, animal products, and other substances that people may be allergic to.

Mental Symptoms

In some cases, allergic rhinitis can cause mental symptoms such as irritability and difficulty concentrating. This may be due to the fatigue that accompanies allergies or due to disruption of sleep patterns.

Additionally, headaches can be a common symptom of allergic rhinitis, which can contribute to difficulty concentrating and feelings of irritability.

Asthma Symptoms

People with allergic rhinitis may also have asthma symptoms, particularly if they have a history of asthma. Asthma symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

These symptoms can be triggered by exposure to allergens, particularly in people who have seasonal allergies.