Asthma and Allergy > Allergies > Conditions > Nasal Allergy

Nasal allergies (rhinitis)

Nasal allergies, also called allergic rhinitis or hayfever, are allergies to airborne particles that can be inhaled. If you have bouts of sneezing and itching, or a runny or stuffy nose that does not seem to go away, you may have allergic rhinitis. It can lead to sinus, ear and sleep problems. In patients with asthma, nasal allergies can make asthma worse.

Symptoms

Runny nose Red or watery eyes Itching of the nose, eyes, throat or skin Sneezing Congestion Coughing Sore throat

Diagnosing

Your doctor will take a thorough health history, then likely use skin or blood tests to determine if you have nasal allergies.

Treatment

The best treatment for nasal allergies is avoidance of the substance that causes symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe medications to reduce your symptoms. If the allergen cannot be avoided and your symptoms are hard to control, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots).