Allergic rhinitis is the hyperactive response of the sensitised nasal mucosa to an external factor (allergen).
It can be subdivided into seasonal rhinitis (usually caused by pollen from plants) and perennial rhinitis (usually caused by dust mites in the home, fungi or animal dander).
Symptoms are characterised by nasal itching, sneezing in bursts, runny nose and itchy eyes or throat.
Treatment. Consists of avoidance of the allergen, symptomatic treatment with antihistamines and nasal steroids or specific immunotherapy to the responsible allergen.