Allergic Rhinitis - Symptoms
It all starts with a runny nose and constant sneezing!
A person with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy) may experience one or a combination of the following symptoms:
- Constant Sneezing
- Runny nose (rhinorrhoea)
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose, ear, throat, eyes
- Watery eyes
- Reduced sense of smell
- Post-nasal discharge
Additional symptoms in some chronic cases of allergic rhinitis may include:
- Cough (because of post-nasal discharge)
- Sinus headaches
- Nasal polyps
- Eyelid swelling
- Blocked ears
- Redness of the white part of eyes (Injected sclerae)
How is allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy diagnosed? Usually, doctors will take a complete history of patient suspected for allergic rhinitis, and prognosis is made. In addition, physical examination that helps clinicians to affirm the condition, include the following:
- Pale discoloration of the lining of the nose
- Nasal polyps in some cases
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Allergic shiners – darkened areas under eyes, which may be due to congestion of venous blood