Common symptoms
- Sneezing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Blocked nose
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Tiredness or poor sleep when symptoms are strong
Common causes
- Pollen (grass, trees, weeds)
- House dust mites
- Animal dander
- Mould
When to see an ENT specialist
- Symptoms affect your sleep, work or daily life
- Over-the-counter remedies do not control your symptoms
- You also have repeated sinus infections or a constantly blocked nose
- You are unsure whether your symptoms are caused by allergy
Seek urgent medical care if
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing or swelling of the lips, face or throat
How it is usually assessed
An ENT specialist will usually ask about your symptoms and possible triggers and examine the nose. Allergy testing may be recommended in some cases.
General management
Management often combines reducing exposure to triggers with treatments a doctor may recommend, such as saline rinses, antihistamines or steroid nasal sprays. Some people may be offered allergen immunotherapy.
This page provides general information only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan, and it does not describe the specific services of any doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own situation.