Allergic rhinitis is a condition characterized by nasal airway inflammation. It usually occurs when an allergen like animal dander, dust or pollen is inhaled by someone who is allergic to it. The symptoms are similar to flu and cold, but it doesn’t cause fever.

Symptoms

There are several symptoms, but the most common are nasal congestion and obstruction, itching of the nose and nasal secretion. Aside from having a runny nose, your eyes might also swell, become teary and reddish. Again, the symptoms are very similar to colds, and in addition those afflicted will also exhibit behavioral signs such as wiping their nose with their palm. In addition to a runny nose, you might feel a tickling sensation in your throat and persistent coughing brought about by post nasal drip. Usually most people experience all these symptoms at once. That is, your eyes will become watery and itchy, brought about by allergic pinkeye while feeling the urge to sneeze. It is also commonplace to hear rhinitis sufferers complain of itchiness of the throat, nose and ears at the same time, which can be very uncomfortable and irritating.

If your rhinitis persists, other symptoms might manifest such as a stuffy nose and  repeated sniffing, something that is particularly common with children. If the condition is severe you might even find yourself breathing through the mouth. There are also cases of the eyes becoming sensitive to bright lighting and feeling fatigued. The symptoms, however, can vary from case to case depending on your condition, so some cases of rhinitis may become worse during winter. If you are allergic to pollen, your rhinitis will depend on the plants around you and when they grow.

When to Seek Medical Help

You should seek medical help if the symptoms don’t clear up or they persist and you are suffering from extreme discomfort. For instance, allergic rhinitis may lead to chronic coughing or feeling of pressure in your ear to the extent that you need medical help. You should also consult a doctor if you feel facial pain and suffer from inflammation.

Treatment

There are several kinds of treatments and medication available, with intranasal corticosteroids usually prescribed. One such drug that may be prescribed is Nasonex, a once daily drug that can treat year round indoor allergic rhinitis and seasonal outdoor rhinitis. The medication is suitable for adults and children over 2 years old. This medication works by removing the nasal congestion that afflicts children and adults, buy while Nasonex can be effective it should only be taken only according to doctor’s prescription. You will experience relief in one to two weeks, but there are some side effects such as nosebleeds or infections. These don’t always happen, but you should consult your doctor if it does. In addition you cannot use this drug if your nose is injured or just underwent injury. There are also a few rare cases of people suffering complications with their eye problem, such as cataracts or glaucoma. If you have these conditions,  consult your doctor first before taking this drug.