Allergic Rhinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Allergic Rhinitis?
An allergist (a doctor who treats allergies) usually treats allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever. Your regular doctor can treat it too. Skin tests or blood tests can find the triggers that set off your symptoms. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is a group of symptoms that affect the nose. It happens when you breathe in something you are allergic to, like pollen, dust, or animal dander. Hay fever is the name for the kind caused by pollen. The immune system treats a harmless substance like an intruder. It releases histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms in the nose, throat, eyes, and ears. The nasal lining becomes swollen and extra sensitive. Many people with allergic rhinitis also get allergic eye symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms that start shortly after exposure include:
- Itchy nose, mouth, eyes, or throat.
- Sneezing.
- Runny nose.
- Watery eyes.
Symptoms that may develop later include:
- Stuffy nose.
- Coughing and sore throat.
- Dark circles or puffiness under the eyes.
- Fatigue, irritability, and headache.
Pollen symptoms tend to flare up in the spring, summer, and fall. Indoor allergies cause symptoms year-round.
Causes and who gets it
Hay fever comes from pollen of trees, grasses, and ragweed. Flower pollen is carried by insects and does not cause hay fever. Indoor triggers include dust mites, pet dander, mold, and cockroach particles. Hot, dry, windy days carry more pollen. On cool, damp, rainy days, most pollen is washed to the ground. Allergies often run in families. If both of your parents have allergies, you are likely to have them too. Smoke, strong odors, and changes in air temperature or humidity can also trigger symptoms.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor performs a physical exam and asks about your symptoms. You will be asked whether symptoms vary by time of day or season and about exposure to pets. Allergy testing may reveal the pollen or other substances that trigger your symptoms. Skin testing is the most common method. If you cannot have skin testing, special blood tests called IgE RAST tests can measure allergy-related substances in the blood. These tests look for IgE, an allergy antibody.
Treatment
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment for allergic rhinitis. They work best when used every day, and they are safe for children and adults. It may take 2 or more weeks of steady use for symptoms to improve. Antihistamines also work well for allergy symptoms. Many come as pills you can buy without a prescription. Older antihistamines can cause sleepiness, so do not drive after taking them. Newer ones cause little or no sleepiness. Antihistamine nasal sprays work well too.
For a stuffy nose, decongestants can help. Do not use nasal spray decongestants for more than 3 days in a row. A nasal wash with saline can remove mucus for mild symptoms. Leukotriene inhibitors are prescription pills that block leukotrienes, chemicals the body releases during an allergic reaction. They can cause anxiety or depression in some people, so talk with your provider first if you have a history of mental health issues.
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are a proven treatment that gives long-term relief for many people. Tablets placed under the tongue may help with dust, grass, and ragweed allergies. Allergy medicines work best if you start them before pollen season begins.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue. Call your doctor if you have severe hay fever symptoms or if symptoms do not get better when you treat them. Call your doctor right away if you start wheezing or coughing more. Allergic rhinitis can make asthma worse for people who have both.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can help you track symptoms and triggers over time and adjust routine medicines. They can also refer you to an allergist for testing and shots.
Common questions
Is hay fever the same as allergic rhinitis?
Yes. Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis caused by pollen. Doctors also call it seasonal allergies because it may occur only during certain seasons.
Can children outgrow allergies?
Some people, especially children, may outgrow an allergy as the immune system becomes less sensitive to the trigger. But once pollen causes allergies, it often keeps affecting you long term.
What is the most effective treatment?
Nasal corticosteroid sprays are the most effective treatment. They work best when used every day, and it may take 2 or more weeks of steady use for symptoms to improve.
Do air filters and cleaning at home help?
Yes. Reducing dust mites and mold at home can lower your exposure. Try air filters, a dehumidifier, and changing where your pets sleep and eat. It may be impossible to avoid all triggers.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Allergic rhinitis
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Hay Fever / Rhinitis
- MedlinePlus - Allergic rhinitis - self-care
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
