What causes allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system reacts in response to certain allergens. The word ‘’allergy’’ means an altered reactivity of the body to otherwise harmless environmental substances.

Some common allergens triggering allergic rhinitis are –
• Dust mites
• Grass pollen
• Animal dander
• Moulds
• Fungi

Signs and Symptoms –
Allergic rhinitis exhibits cold-like symptoms, which are usually noticeable soon after coming into contact with the allergen. You will likely experience the following signs –
• Coughing and sneezing
• A stuffy, itchy, or runny nose
• A sore throat
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Hives
• Frequent headaches

In most cases, these symptoms have a mild impact on your health and usually go away if treated effectively. However, for some people, the signs may be persistent and severe, and may even interfere with your everyday life.
When to See a Doctor?
You should book an appointment with an ENT Surgeon if the above symptoms worsen over time, disrupting your sleep pattern and preventing you from performing usual tasks.
How to Treat Allergic Rhinitis?
As yet, there is no complete cure for allergies. The currently available medicines suppress the symptoms to a large extent. Antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays and eye drops are normally recommended by health practitioners to treat the allergy. Home remedies like nasal douching may also be helpful.