Common Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis and How It Is Treated

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the nasal mucosa caused by exposure to environmental allergens.

It can be triggered by one or more agents, such as pollen, house dust, mites, pet hair, feathers, or mold.

It is usually classified as:

Seasonal form – symptoms occur during specific times of the year (most commonly spring and summer) when pollen concentration is high.

Perennial form – present throughout the year, usually due to allergens found indoors.

According to newer classifications, the following types are distinguished:

Intermittent rhinitis – symptoms last less than four days a week or for less than four consecutive weeks.

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Persistent rhinitis – symptoms are present more than four days a week and last longer than four weeks.

Allergic Rhinitis – Most Common Symptoms

People with allergic rhinitis most often experience:

• nasal congestion and difficulty breathing
• runny nose and frequent sneezing attacks
• itching in the nose, throat, and eyes
• redness and tearing of the eyes
• postnasal drip.

In perennial rhinitis, symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, reduced sense of smell, and facial pressure are more common, while seasonal rhinitis often includes more sneezing, itching, and profuse nasal discharge.

Connection Between Allergic Rhinitis and Other Conditions

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are closely linked – nearly 40% of people with rhinitis also have asthma symptoms, while most asthma patients also have allergic rhinitis. If left untreated, the risk of developing asthma may be three times higher.

Untreated rhinitis also increases the likelihood of developing sinus infections and ear complications such as serous otitis (fluid buildup in the middle ear).

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Diagnosis of Allergic Rhinitis

For an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to:

• take a detailed history of symptoms and their frequency
• perform an ENT specialist examination
• conduct skin testing (prick test) for specific allergens
• determine total and specific IgE levels in the blood through lab tests.

“It is important to distinguish allergic rhinitis from a common viral infection or acute sinusitis because the symptoms are similar, but treatment and duration of the illness differ significantly,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Branislava Milenković, internist and pulmonologist, for Stetoskop.

Allergic Rhinitis – Treatment and Therapeutic Options

The primary goal in treating allergic rhinitis is to alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening:

• Avoidance of known allergens
• New-generation antihistamines – act quickly without causing drowsiness
• Nasal corticosteroids – effectively reduce nasal mucosal inflammation
• Combined intranasal sprays – contain both an antihistamine and a corticosteroid
• Immunotherapy – for patients with strong and confirmed allergies

“Surgical procedures, such as turbinate reduction, are used only in patients who have a mechanical obstruction in the nose and do not respond to pharmacological therapy,” explains the professor.