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Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Sinusitis

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is very common and is caused by the nose and/or eyes coming into contact with allergens in the environment. These include pollens (grasses, weeds or trees), dust mites, moulds and animal dander (skin flakes from animals with fur). Allergic rhinitis can cause a runny, itchy or congested nose, sneezing and itchy/watery eyes. These symptoms may be mistaken for infections such as colds and flu, but treatments are different. Sinusitis can occur if allergic rhinitis is not treated correctly. 

Effective allergic rhinitis treatments are available from pharmacies and include sinus rinses or sprays, antihistamines, corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory) nasal sprays and combination nasal sprays that contain corticosteroid and antihistamine. If these treatments don't control symptoms, allergen immunotherapy may be prescribed by a doctor, after allergy testing to confirm allergens that are causing symptoms.

Fast Facts

Fast Facts about allergic rhinitis (hay fever) 

Treatment Plan

ASCIA Treatment Plan for Allergic Rhinitis 

Click on the links below for more information (A-Z)

Allergen Immunotherapy 

Allergic Conjunctivitis 

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Nasal Polyps

Pollen Allergy 

Sinusitis and Allergy

Videos

Animation videos about allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and how to use treatments - a National Allergy Council initiative  

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