A runny nose, sneezing fits, and nasal congestion. Many patients mistake these symptoms for a common cold. The problem arises when symptoms persist for weeks or recur at the same time of year. In such cases, it's worth considering whether you might be dealing with an allergic rhinitis, which requires a completely different approach than an infection.

What is allergic rhinitis and who does it affect?

Allergic rhinitis is a condition associated with the immune system's response to allergens—substances that are harmless to most people but that cause symptoms in some. It causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa, resulting in typical symptoms.

This problem affects both children and adults. It can include:

• seasonal – related to e.g. plant pollen,
• year-round – e.g. in case of allergy to house dust mites.

It is worth remembering that allergic diseases often have a genetic basis and may run in families.

The most common symptoms

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be confusing and resemble those of an infection, but there are some characteristic features:

• watery, runny nose
• nasal congestion
• paroxysmal sneezing (so-called "serial sneezing")
• itching of the nose, throat, or eyes
• accompanying tearing and redness of the eyes

Unlike infections, allergies are not usually accompanied by fever. Symptoms often appear suddenly, for example, after contact with an allergen or exposure to sunlight.

If you notice symptoms in yourself or your child suggesting allergic rhinitis, do not delay. Make an appointment and benefit from comprehensive care from our specialists. Early diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment and improved quality of life.

Why shouldn't you ignore the symptoms?

Untreated allergic rhinitis is not just discomfort. It can lead to more serious health consequences, such as:

• chronic sleep problems and fatigue
• mouth breathing and snoring
• more frequent respiratory infections
• pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy in children
• development of changes in the nose and sinuses (e.g. polyps)
• increased risk of developing asthma

In practice, this means a deterioration in the quality of life and a growing health problem that becomes more difficult to control over time.

What does diagnosis and treatment look like?

The basis is a medical consultation – most often with a pediatrician, family doctor or allergist. 

Diagnostics include:

• a thorough interview regarding symptoms and their severity
• allergy tests (blood or skin)
• assessment of coexisting allergic diseases

Treatment is selected individually and may include:

• antihistamines
• intranasal preparations (e.g. glucocorticosteroids)
• complementary treatment depending on the severity of symptoms

In selected cases, causal treatment is also possible, i.e. immunotherapy (so-called desensitization), which can significantly improve disease control and reduce the risk of its complications.

When should you see a doctor?

It is worth consulting a specialist if:

• a runny nose lasts longer than a few weeks
• symptoms recur seasonally
• itching of the nose or eyes occurs
• the child is often ill or has a chronically blocked nose
• symptoms make it difficult to sleep and function daily

Early diagnosis helps avoid complications and improve the patient's quality of life more quickly.

Allergic rhinitis is a common yet often overlooked health problem. While symptoms may seem harmless, untreated allergies can lead to more serious consequences. Proper diagnosis and individually tailored treatment under the care of a specialist are crucial. Want to learn more? Listen to a conversation with a specialist!