Common allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment in Mt. Airy and Kernersville, NC

Sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes aren’t just seasonal annoyances, they can point to allergic rhinitis. Our allergy team offers testing and treatment, including immunotherapy, to help you find lasting relief.

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What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the nasal passages. It occurs when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, like pollen, dust, or pet dander, treating it as a threat.

Common Symptoms

  • Sneezing
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Itchy, watery eyes
  • Postnasal drip
  • Itchy throat or ears
  • Fatigue from disrupted sleep

What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?

Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. Symptoms may be seasonal, tied to specific times of year, or year-round depending on your triggers. Learn more on our full Allergy page.

How We Diagnose Allergic Rhinitis

Diagnosis typically involves a review of your symptoms along with skin or blood testing to help identify your specific triggers, so your treatment plan can be tailored to you.

Treatment Options

Treatment ranges from allergen avoidance and over-the-counter or prescription medications for symptom relief, to allergy immunotherapy (AIT), which trains your immune system to be less reactive over time through allergy shots or sublingual tablets. Explore all of our allergy treatment options.

Allergic Rhinitis FAQs

How is allergic rhinitis different from a common cold?

Colds typically resolve within a week or two and may include a fever, while allergic rhinitis symptoms persist as long as you’re exposed to the allergen and don’t cause a fever.

Is allergic rhinitis the same as hay fever?

Yes, “hay fever” is a common name for allergic rhinitis, even though it’s often unrelated to hay and doesn’t cause a fever.

Can allergic rhinitis happen year-round?

Yes, while some patients only experience seasonal symptoms tied to pollen, others have year-round symptoms from triggers like dust mites, pet dander, or mold.

What testing is used to identify my triggers?

Skin testing or blood testing can help identify the specific allergens causing your symptoms, guiding a more targeted treatment plan.

What is allergy immunotherapy?

Allergy immunotherapy, delivered through shots or sublingual tablets, gradually trains your immune system to be less reactive to specific allergens over time.

Can allergic rhinitis affect my sleep?

Yes, nasal congestion and postnasal drip from allergic rhinitis can disrupt sleep. If this is a concern, our sleep medicine team can help evaluate further.

Can allergic rhinitis trigger asthma symptoms?

Yes, allergies are a common asthma trigger, and patients with both conditions may benefit from care coordinated with our pulmonary team.

Breathe Easier, Symptom-Free

Let our allergy team help you identify your triggers and find lasting relief.

Request an Appointment