Allergic Rhinitis

Your guide to understanding and managing the symptoms

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining that occurs when the immune system reacts to certain substances in the environment. Symptoms may be seasonal or year-round.

Allergic rhinitis is not an infection, and it does not spread from person to person.

What are the common symptoms?

Frequent sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Itchy nose
Itchy, red, or watery eyes
Postnasal drip
Sometimes, reduced sense of smell

If the allergy is severe or persistent, it may affect sleep, concentration, and performance at school or work.

In children, allergies may appear as mouth breathing, snoring, or frequent nose rubbing.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Dust and house dust mites
Dust storms
Pollen, including palm and certain local trees
Mold and fungi
Animal dander

Irritants can also worsen symptoms even when they are not the underlying cause, such as smoke, incense and oud, strong perfumes, and air pollution.

How do I know if I have allergic rhinitis?

A doctor can usually diagnose allergic rhinitis from symptoms and a clinical examination. Allergy testing may sometimes be needed, especially if symptoms persist or the trigger is unclear.

How is allergic rhinitis treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and how much they affect your life; your doctor will determine the plan that suits you.

Avoiding triggers

Try to identify what worsens your symptoms and reduce exposure as much as possible.

Saline nasal rinses

Help clear the nose of secretions and irritants, and may ease congestion. If preparing the solution at home, use boiled-then-cooled or sterile water — never tap water directly.

Nasal corticosteroid sprays

Among the most effective treatments, especially with congestion or persistent symptoms. They require regular, correct use, and full benefit may take several days to appear — so don't stop them early.

Antihistamines

Relieve sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Newer types that cause less drowsiness are generally preferred. Nasal antihistamine sprays also exist, alone or combined with a steroid, which your doctor may prescribe.

Allergen immunotherapy

May suit some patients with a specific, persistent allergy despite standard treatment; an allergy specialist determines whether it is appropriate for your case.

Be careful

Decongestant sprays: provide quick relief, but using them for more than 3 days usually worsens nasal congestion rather than treating it. Do not use them longer without consulting your doctor.

Corticosteroid injections: generally not recommended for allergic rhinitis due to their side effects on the body.

If you are pregnant: tell your doctor before using any medication.

Do you have asthma? Allergies and asthma often occur together, and controlling allergies helps control asthma.

How to use a nasal spray correctly

Gently clear your nose, then shake the bottle.
Keep your head level or tilted slightly forward.
Use the opposite hand: right hand for the left nostril, left hand for the right nostril.
Aim the spray toward the outer wall of the nose, away from the nasal septum.
Inhale gently while spraying — don't sniff forcefully, or the medicine will run down the throat.

Helpful tips

Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Close windows and limit going outside during dust storms.
Clean the home regularly and reduce dust buildup.
Follow your prescribed treatment, and don't stop it at the first sign of improvement without consulting your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If symptoms are severe or persistent, or affect your sleep, studies, or work.
If symptoms don't improve despite treatment.
If you have persistent one-sided congestion or bloody discharge.
If nosebleeds recur.
If you have facial pain or swelling with fever.
If your asthma symptoms worsen.
If you're unsure whether allergies are the cause of your symptoms.

When should I go to the emergency room immediately?

If you experience sudden or severe difficulty breathing.

Remember

Allergic rhinitis is common and can be controlled in most patients.
Identifying and avoiding triggers is a core part of treatment.
Nasal steroid sprays need regular use and days to show full benefit.
Don't use decongestant sprays for more than a few days.
One-sided congestion or bleeding needs a doctor's evaluation.

This information is for health awareness and education, and does not replace a doctor's consultation or direct medical assessment.

Prepared by: Saudi Society of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery · Version 1.0 · Last reviewed: May 2026 · saudiorl.com