Allergic Rhinitis & Allergy Testing

Allergic Rhinitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a common condition caused by the immune system’s response to allergens, substances that trigger inflammation in the nose. 

This inflammation results in cold-like symptoms, including:
  • Sneezing
  • Runny or blocked nose
  • Itchy nose or throat
  • Excess mucous
  • Loss of smell

Unlike a cold, allergic rhinitis is not caused by a virus but by exposure to specific allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander.

For some individuals, symptoms occur year-round due to ongoing exposure to allergens like dust or pet dander. For others, symptoms are seasonal, appearing during specific times of the year when allergens like tree or grass pollen are prevalent.

Causes of Allergic Rhinitis

The most common triggers of allergic rhinitis include:

  •  Pollen: From trees, grasses, or weeds (seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever)
  •  Dust mites: Found in bedding, furniture, and carpets
  •  Animal allergens: Saliva, dander, or urine from pets like cats and dogs
  • Mould spores: Indoors or outdoors

These allergens cause the immune system to overreact, releasing chemicals like histamine that lead to inflammation and symptoms.

Testing for Allergic Rhinitis – Skin prick testing

Skin prick allergy testing is a quick and reliable method used to identify the allergens triggering your allergic rhinitis. At ENT Surrey we are partnered with Paediatric Diagnostics who can help carry out a skin prick allergy test.

Watch our video to find out more:

During the test, small drops of various allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander, are applied to your skin, usually on the forearm. A tiny, sterile needle gently pricks the skin through each allergen drop, allowing the substance to penetrate the top layer. Within 15–20 minutes, the skin is observed for reactions, such as redness or swelling, which indicate sensitivity to the allergen. This test is minimally invasive, virtually painless, and provides immediate results, helping us create a personalised treatment plan including allergen avoidance measures.

Can Allergic Rhinitis Be Prevented?

While you cannot prevent the development of allergic rhinitis, you can reduce symptoms by minimizing exposure to allergens:

  • For pollen allergies: Stay indoors during peak pollen times, keep windows closed, and use air purifiers.
  • For dust mite allergies: Use allergen-proof covers for bedding and wash linens frequently in hot water.
  • For pet allergies: Limit contact with pets, keep them out of bedrooms, and clean frequently.
Creatment Options for Allergic Rhinitis

Effective treatment often requires a combination of approaches:

  1. Allergen Avoidance: The first step in managing allergic rhinitis is to minimise exposure to known triggers. This is aided by understanding the results of skin prick allergy testing.
  2. Medications: Options include:
    o Antihistamines: To reduce itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
    o Saline nasal douching: To relieve nasal congestion and “clean” the nose.
    o Nasal sprays: Including corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
  3.  Surgery: Sometimes nasal obstruction can be reduced though measures to reduce the size of the inflamed tissues in the nose (turbinates). This can be very helpful if the main problem is breathing through the nose.
  4.  Allergy Immunotherapy: This can be via tablets dissolved under the tongue (sublingual) or via injections and gradually desensitizes the immune system to allergens over time. This treatment is normally supervised by an immunologist and is usually used only in more severe cases