Nasal Allergy (Allergic Rhinitis)

Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and an itchy nose and eyes, often worse in the morning or with dust. This is allergic rhinitis. It's very common, and in most people it is controlled well with the right routine and medicines.

Simple steps that help

• Wash bedsheets and pillow covers every third day; a hot wash or drying in strong sun is best.
• Don't keep worn clothes in the bedroom for more than 3 days.
• Sneezing on getting up? Step into rubber slippers when you get out of bed, and use lukewarm water to wash your face and brush.
• Sneezing as soon as you wake? Keep a clean handkerchief by the bed. On waking, cover your nose and mouth with it and breathe through it for 10 minutes, so you breathe warm, moist air while your nose adjusts.

Treatment

Nasal sprays and allergy tablets, chosen for your age, symptoms and other health conditions. Some sprays are needed for months to keep allergy controlled.

If medicines don't control it

Allergy testing (skin prick test), and allergy treatment that trains the body over about a year (sublingual immunotherapy, drops under the tongue). Other options are discussed with you.

Can surgery cure allergy?

No. Turbinate surgery helps only if a blocked nose persists despite treatment (see blocked nose). For sneezing and a runny nose that don't respond to any treatment, an operation called posterior nasal neurectomy, which is also done for non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis, may help. It works in only about half of patients, and the effect may wear off after a few years.

Posterior nasal neurectomy

What it is: the nerves at the back of the nose that drive sneezing and a runny nose are cut or sealed through the nose, using an endoscope. There are no cuts on the face, and it's done as day care.

Who it's for: people with a constantly runny nose or frequent sneezing that hasn't settled with proper treatment, whether from allergy or non-allergic (vasomotor) rhinitis.

What to expect: it helps about half of patients, mainly by reducing the runny nose. The effect may wear off after a few years, and it can be repeated if needed. It doesn't cure allergy, so medicines may still be needed. Possible effects include temporary dryness or crusting in the nose, and rarely bleeding or numbness of the palate.

Book a consultation

Call 81390 05150 or message on WhatsApp. See clinics and timings.