Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may develop within minutes after breathing in an allergen, or sometimes hours later - The most common immediate allergic rhinitis symptoms include:
• Repeated sneezing. Can occur upon waking in the morning (especially during hayfever season).
• A runny nose. Drainage from a runny nose caused by allergies is usually clear and thin, but may thicken and become cloudy or yellowish if a nasal or sinus infection develops.
• Post nasal drip. Feels like a tickle in your throat and can trigger a cough as you try to clear your throat. AR is the most likely cause of post nasal drip.
• Watery, itchy eyes. Also itchy ears, nose, and throat can present as symptoms.
• Significant sleep disturbance seen in those with severe symptoms. Compared to people with mild allergic rhinitis. People with allergic rhinitis use significantly more sleeping pills and alcohol than those with clear noses.
Archives of Internal Medicine, September 2006.
Many of those with AR also have allergy symptoms triggered by substances in certain foods. E.g. eggs, nuts, fish, shellfish, dairy products or wheat.
