Allergic Rhinitis

Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may develop within minutes or hours Reference after you breathe in an allergen Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. The symptoms can last for days.

Symptoms that often start as soon as you breathe in an allergen include:

• Sneezing over and over again, especially after you wake up in the morning.
• A runny nose.
• A tickle in your throat or coughing caused by Reference postnasal drip Opens New Window.
• Watery, itchy eyes. This may be Reference allergic pinkeye.
• Itchy ears, nose, and throat.

Other symptoms that may take longer to appear include:

• A stuffy nose, possibly with sniffing. This is the most common symptom in children.
• Breathing through your mouth because your nose is blocked.
• Rubbing your nose. Children tend to do this.
• Eyes being sensitive to light.
• Feeling tired, grumpy, or moody.
• Not sleeping well.
• A long-lasting (chronic) cough.
• Pressure in your ear or having a hard time hearing.
• Discomfort or pain in your face.
• Dark circles or patches under your eyes (allergic shiners).

Reference Other problems with symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis include Reference upper respiratory infections (URIs) Opens New Window, nasal defects, and inflammation (Reference rhinitis Opens New Window) not caused by an allergen (nonallergic rhinitis).

When symptoms may change

Your symptoms may be better or worse at different times of the year or different times in your life. For example:

• If you are allergic to Reference dust mites Opens New Window, Reference animal dander Opens New Window, or indoor mold, your symptoms may be more severe in winter when you spend more time indoors.
• If you have a pollen allergy, your symptoms may vary based on what plants grow in your area and what season it is.
• If you get pregnant, your symptoms might get worse. Allergic rhinitis can then make asthma and Reference sinusitis Opens New Window worse.

• As you grow older, allergens may affect you less.

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