Find Relief from Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) | Symptoms, Testing and More

What is allergic rhinitis?
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Allergic rhinitis—often called hay fever—is an allergic reaction that happens when your immune system overreacts to airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. It can be seasonal (worse during certain times of year) or perennial (year-round). While it’s common, persistent symptoms can affect sleep, energy, concentration, and asthma control.

Common symptoms

You may notice:
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• Sneezing and itchy nose
• Runny nose or post-nasal drip
• Nasal congestion or blocked breathing
• Itchy, watery, or red eyes
• Throat irritation or cough (often from post-nasal drip)
• Sinus pressure or headaches

Common triggers

Allergic rhinitis is often triggered by:

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• Pollen: trees, grasses, weeds
• Dust mites: bedding, carpets, upholstered furniture
• Pets: dander, saliva
• Mold: damp spaces, bathrooms, HVAC systems
• Irritants that worsen symptoms: smoke, strong fragrances, pollution, temperature changes

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When to consider allergy testing

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Testing can help confirm triggers and guide a long-term plan—especially if symptoms are frequent, persistent, or not responding to your current regimen.

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Common testing options include:

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• Skin prick testing: quick, in-office screening for environmental allergens
• Blood testing (serum IgE): useful if skin testing isn’t an option or you can’t stop certain medications
• Component testing (in select cases): more detailed allergen profiling

Your clinician will recommend the best approach based on your history, medications, and symptom pattern.

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Treatment options that work

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Most people improve with a stepwise plan that combines trigger reduction and medication optimization.

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1) Trigger control (the foundation)

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• Reduce pollen exposure (shower after outdoor time, keep windows closed during high pollen)
• Dust mite protection (encase pillows/mattress, wash bedding hot weekly)
• HEPA filtration and HVAC maintenance
• Address moisture and mold sources

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2) Medication strategy (common starting point)

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• Intranasal steroid spray (often most effective for congestion and overall control)
• Non-sedating oral antihistamine for itching/sneezing
• Nasal antihistamine spray for fast relief (often used with or instead of oral options)
• Saline rinses/sprays to reduce congestion and irritant load
• Allergy eye drops for eye symptoms

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Note: Decongestant sprays can cause rebound congestion if used too long—your clinician can help you choose safer options.

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3) Longer-term solution: Immunotherapy

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If symptoms are persistent or you want to reduce long-term medication reliance, your allergist may recommend:

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• Allergy shots (SCIT)
• Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) (in appropriate cases)

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Immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity to triggers over time and improve quality of life.

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When to see an allergist (and red flags)

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Consider specialist evaluation if:

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• Symptoms occur weekly or daily
• You’re missing work/school or sleep is disrupted
• Symptoms persist despite optimized OTC/Rx treatment
• You have frequent sinus infections or severe congestion
• You also have wheezing, shortness of breath, or asthma symptoms

Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, facial/lip swelling, or signs of anaphylaxis.

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What happens next

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Start the assessment to create a structured summary of your symptoms, triggers, and treatments tried. This helps streamline the clinical visit and guides the most appropriate next steps—testing, medication optimization, or longer-term therapy.

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