Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms

It all starts with a runny nose and constant sneezing!

A person with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy) may experience one or a combination of the following symptoms:

• Constant Sneezing
• Runny nose (rhinorrhoea)
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, ear, throat, eyes
• Watery eyes
• Reduced sense of smell
• Post-nasal discharge

Additional symptoms in some chronic cases of allergic rhinitis may include:

• Cough (because of post-nasal discharge)
• Sinus headaches
• Nasal polyps
• Eyelid swelling
• Blocked ears
• Redness of the white part of eyes (Injected sclerae)

How is allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy diagnosed? Usually, doctors will take a complete history of patient suspected for allergic rhinitis, and prognosis is made. In addition, physical examination that helps clinicians to affirm the condition, include the following:

• Pale discoloration of the lining of the nose
• Nasal polyps in some cases
• Swelling of the eyelid
• Allergic shiners – darkened areas under eyes, which may be due to congestion of venous blood