Allergic Rhinitis

What is allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, is a condition where your body overreacts to particles in the air such as pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander.

When you breathe these in, your immune system releases chemicals like histamine, leading to inflammation in your nose and sinuses. This inflammation is what causes the uncomfortable symptoms many people experience.

What are the most common symptoms?

Allergic rhinitis can feel like a lingering cold, but it tends to last much longer.

Common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy nose, throat, or eyes
• Watery or red eyes
• Post-nasal drip
• Sinus pressure or headaches

These symptoms occur because your body is reacting to allergens, not a virus.

What causes allergic rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by airborne allergens which are tiny particles your body mistakenly sees as harmful.

Common triggers include:

• Tree, grass, and weed pollen (very common in Hampton Roads seasons)
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pet dander

When exposed, your immune system releases histamine, which leads to inflammation, mucus production, and irritation.

Is allergic rhinitis common in Newport News and Hampton Roads?

Yes – very common. In coastal Virginia, seasonal allergies are often triggered by:

• Tree pollen in the spring
• Grass pollen in late spring and summer
• Weed pollen (like ragweed) in late summer and fall

Humidity in the Hampton Roads area can also increase exposure to mold and dust mites, leading to year-round symptoms for some patients.

What’s the difference between seasonal and year-round allergies?

• Seasonal allergies: Occur during certain times of the year (spring, summer, fall) due to pollen
• Year-round (perennial) allergies: Caused by indoor triggers like dust mites, pets, or mold

Many patients in Newport News experience a combination of both.

How do I know if it’s allergies or a cold?

It can be confusing because symptoms overlap. Here’s a simple way to tell:

• Allergies: Itchy eyes/nose, no fever, symptoms last weeks or months
• Cold: May include fever, body aches, and typically resolves in 7–10 days

Allergies also tend to happen repeatedly during the same seasons or with certain exposures.

How is allergic rhinitis diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a detailed review of your symptoms and possible triggers. Your ENT provider may recommend:

• A physical exam of your nose and sinuses
• Allergy testing (skin or blood tests)

This helps identify the exact cause so your treatment can be more targeted.

What are the treatment options?

The good news is that allergic rhinitis is very manageable.

1. Avoiding triggers

• Keep windows closed during high pollen days
• Use air filtration at home
• Shower after outdoor exposure

2. Medications

• Antihistamines
• Nasal steroid sprays
• Decongestants (short-term use)

3. Allergy immunotherapy

• Allergy shots or drops that help your body build tolerance over time

Most patients benefit from a combination of these approaches.

When should I see an ENT specialist?

You should consider an evaluation if:

• Symptoms are not improving with over-the-counter medications
• You have frequent sinus infections
• You experience ongoing congestion or breathing issues
• Symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, or daily life

An ENT specialist can provide advanced treatment options and long-term solutions.

Can allergic rhinitis affect my quality of life?

Absolutely. Ongoing allergies can lead to:

• Poor sleep
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased risk of sinus infections

Many patients don’t realize how much better they can feel with proper treatment.

Is allergic rhinitis curable?

There is no permanent cure, but it can be very well controlled. With the right treatment plan, most patients experience significant relief. And, some improve long-term with allergy immunotherapy.

Ready to Find Relief?

If you’re dealing with persistent congestion, sneezing, or sinus pressure, you don’t have to manage it alone.

Schedule an evaluation today to identify your triggers and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your lifestyle and environment.

References:

• Cleveland Clinic. Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
• Mayo Clinic. Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis) Overview
• NHS. Allergic Rhinitis
• NCBI StatPearls. Allergic Rhinitis