Runny nose precipitated by allergy is called as allergic rhinitis. Common symptoms are sneezing, running nose, cold and stuffy nose precipitated by an allergen.

Your doctor will suspect you have an allergic rhinitis if your symptoms persist for more than 1 hour every day for more than 2 weeks. Then special tests such as blood IgE levels, skin prick tests help to diagnose the allergy and the substances to which you are allergic.

Yes, a patient with allergic rhinitis can have other allergies such as allergic dermatitis (skin) or asthma (lungs). Infact, it is suspected that over 50% of asthmatic patients also have allergic rhinitis.

Management of allergic rhinitis involves avoiding allergens, and treatment with antihistamines, steroid nasal spray and immunotherapy (see Allergy).

Last updated on 01-05-2008