Rhinitis is when a reaction occurs that causes nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and
itching. Most types of rhinitis are caused by an inflammation and are associated with symptoms in the eyes, ears, or throat. There are several types of rhinitis. The most common are acute rhinitis, which is usually caused by a viral illness, allergic or seasonal rhinitis, and nonallergic or year-round rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is caused when allergens in the air trigger the release of histamine in the body. Histamine causes itching, swelling, and fluid to build up in the fragile linings
of the nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids. The most common causes of rhinitis are: Pollen given off by trees, grass, and weeds Dust mites Mold Cockroach waste Animal dander Fumes and odors Temperature Hormonal changes Certain medicines and overuse of topical nose sprays Changes in the environment Smoke
Certain foods or spices People with asthma are at a higher risk for rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is a common problem that may be linked to asthma. However, this link is not fully understood. Experts think that since rhinitis makes it hard to breathe through the nose, it is harder for the nose to work normally. Breathing through the mouth does not warm, filter, or humidify the air before it enters the lungs. This can make asthma
symptoms worse. Controlling allergic rhinitis may help control asthma in some people. Symptoms of rhinitis include: Sneezing Stuffy nose Runny nose Itchy nose, throat, eyes, and earsWhat is rhinitis?
What causes rhinitis?
Who is at risk for rhinitis?
What are the symptoms of rhinitis?
Nosebleeds
Clear drainage from the nose
Ear infections that keep coming back
Snoring
Breathing through the mouth
Tiredness
How is rhinitis diagnosed?
Most often, the diagnosis is made by your healthcare provider based on an in-depth history and physical exam. In addition to the above signs, the healthcare provider may find:
Dark circles under the eyes
Creases under the eyes
Swollen tissues inside the nose
Mouth breathing
How is rhinitis treated?
Avoidance of the allergens that are causing the problem is the best treatment. The symptoms of rhinitis sometimes look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Treatments for rhinitis may include:
Antihistamines
Nose sprays
Decongestants
Medicines for asthma symptoms
Allergy shots
Surgery for some health problems
Can rhinitis be prevented?
Preventive measures for avoiding allergic rhinitis include:
Avoiding areas where there is heavy dust, mites, or molds
Avoiding pets
Avoiding what you know you are allergic to
Controls in your environment, such as air conditioning during pollen season
Key points about rhinitis
Rhinitis is a reaction that happens in the eyes, nose, and throat when allergens in the air trigger histamine to be released in the body.
Some of the most common causes of rhinitis are pollen, dust mites, mold, cockroach waste, animal dander, fumes and odors, hormonal changes, and smoke.
Symptoms of rhinitis include: sneezing, stuffy, runny, and itchy nose, and itchy throat, eyes, and ears, nosebleeds, clear drainage from the nose, ear infections that keep coming back, snoring, breathing through the mouth, and tiredness.
Treatment for rhinitis includes: medicines, allergy shots, and surgery for some health problems
Preventive measures for rhinitis include avoiding what you are allergic to.
Pediatric Otolaryngology
Our pediatric otolaryngologists provide compassionate and comprehensive care for children with common and rare ear, nose, and throat conditions. As part of the Johns Hopkins Children's Center, you have access to all the specialized resources of a children's hospital.
Allergic rhinitis is where your nose gets irritated by something you're allergic to, such as pollen, causing sneezing and other symptoms. For most people it's easy to treat with medicines from a pharmacist. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are similar to a cold and include: This usually happens within minutes of coming into contact with something you're allergic to. Allergic rhinitis is
caused by an allergic reaction. Common allergies include: You're more
likely to get an allergy if people in your family also have them or conditions such as eczema and asthma. Information: Allergic rhinitis is different from non-allergic rhinitis, which is caused by things like having a
cold, very hot or cold temperatures and humidity. You can often treat allergic rhinitis without seeing a GP. If you can, try to avoid the things that trigger your allergies.Check if it's allergic rhinitis
Causes of allergic rhinitis
How you can treat allergic rhinitis yourself
A pharmacist can also advise you about medicines that can help, such as:
- antihistamines
- decongestant nasal sprays or drops to unblock your nose (decongestants should not be used by children under 6)
- salt water nasal sprays or solutions to rinse out the inside of your nose
You can buy nasal sprays without a prescription, but they should not be used for more than a week as this can make your symptoms worse.
Find a pharmacy
How to clean your nose with a homemade salt water solution- Boil a pint of water, then leave it to cool.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
- Wash your hands.
- Stand over a sink, cup the palm of 1 hand and pour a small amount of the solution into it.
- Sniff the water into 1 nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat.
- Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day (making a new solution each time) until your nose feels more comfortable.
If you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have allergic rhinitis and your symptoms get worse
- you also have asthma and it's getting worse
- your symptoms are affecting your sleep and everyday life
- you're not sure what's causing your symptoms
- treatments from a pharmacist are not working
Treatments for allergic rhinitis from a GP
If pharmacy medicines do not help ease your allergic rhinitis symptoms, a GP may prescribe a different medicine, such as prescription steroid nasal sprays or antihistamines.
You may be referred to a specialist for further tests and treatment if it's not clear what's causing your symptoms or they're severe.
Preventing allergic rhinitis
If you have allergic rhinitis, it's not always possible to avoid the things you're allergic to. But there are steps you can take to try to help reduce your symptoms.
Do
wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen
use hypoallergenic bedding and covers, and wash bedding regularly at 60C and above
dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
wash pets at least once every 2 weeks and groom them outside regularly
regularly wash your pet's bedding and clean any furniture they've been on
keep your home dry and well-ventilated, and deal with any damp and condensation
Don’t
do not allow pets in bedrooms
do not go outside or dry clothes outside when the pollen count is high, if possible
Page last reviewed: 30 May 2022
Next review due: 30 May 2025