Allergic rhinitis — often called hay fever or “dust allergy” — is an allergic reaction inside the nose that causes
sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, and itchy eyes. It isn't dangerous, but it disturbs sleep, work and school, and
it is closely linked with asthma. Avoiding triggers and using the right nasal spray control it well. Ayurveda
describes it under Pratishyaya, disorders of nasal discharge.
What is allergic rhinitis?
In allergic rhinitis the immune system over-reacts to harmless particles in the air, releasing histamine and other
chemicals that inflame the lining of the nose. It may be seasonal (pollen at certain times of year)
or perennial (year-round, usually house-dust mites, mould, pets or cockroaches). It often runs in
families with asthma and eczema, and about 4 in 10 people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma or develop it.
Treating the nose often improves asthma control too.
Repeated sneezing, especially in the morning
Runny nose with clear, watery discharge, or a blocked nose
Itchy nose, eyes, throat or roof of the mouth; red, watery eyes
Snoring, mouth-breathing, poor sleep and tiredness; reduced sense of smell
Warm drinks such as ginger–tulsi tea are a traditional comfort for the throat and chest. They ease symptoms but do not replace inhalers, antibiotics or other prescribed treatment.
Common triggers
House-dust mites — the most common year-round trigger in India; they live in mattresses, pillows, carpets and curtains
Pollen — grasses, trees and weeds, including Parthenium (“congress grass”) and Prosopis, both major allergens in India
Mould — damp walls and bathrooms, especially in the monsoon
Cockroaches and pets — droppings, saliva and dander
Irritants that worsen symptoms: smoke, incense, mosquito coils, strong perfumes, air pollution, cold air
Allergy, cold or sinusitis?
How allergic rhinitis differs from a cold and from sinusitis
Allergic rhinitis
Common cold
Sinusitis
Itching
Nose and eyes itch — the key clue
Rare
Rare
Discharge
Clear, watery
Clear, then thicker
Thick, yellow-green; may drip down the throat
Fever, aches
No
Sometimes mild
Sometimes
Face pain
No
No
Pain or pressure over cheeks and forehead
Duration
As long as the exposure lasts — weeks or all year
7–10 days
Usually 2–3 weeks
Untreated allergic rhinitis can itself lead to repeated sinusitis — see our page on sinusitis.
When to see a doctor
Wheezing, chest tightness or breathlessness — possible asthma
A blockage or bleeding on one side only, or a persistently reduced sense of smell — needs an ENT examination
Symptoms not controlled by a correctly used steroid nasal spray after a month
Facial pain with fever, or swelling around the eye
Children who snore every night, mouth-breathe or have poor sleep
Treatment
Steroid nasal sprays (such as fluticasone or mometasone) are the most effective treatment for a blocked nose and moderate symptoms. They take several days to work fully and must be used daily during the allergy season. Aim the spray slightly outwards, away from the middle of the nose.
Non-drowsy antihistamines (such as cetirizine, loratadine or fexofenadine) help sneezing and itching. Older antihistamines like chlorpheniramine cause drowsiness.
Saline nasal rinses wash out allergens and mucus.
Allergen immunotherapy — allergy injections or tablets under the tongue, given for 3 years — can reduce allergy long-term in carefully selected people, under a specialist.
A doctor may test for specific allergens with skin-prick or blood tests.
Warning: decongestant drops
Decongestant nose drops and sprays such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline unblock
the nose within minutes — but used for more than 5–7 days they cause rebound blockage
(rhinitis medicamentosa). The nose then needs the drops to breathe at all, and people end up using them for
months or years. If this has happened to you, a doctor can help you stop, usually with a steroid spray.
Ayurvedic view
Strengthen digestion and clear ama → pacify Vata and Kapha in the head and nose → build resistance (vyadhikshamatva) → daily nasal care.
Pratishyaya — literally “flowing towards” — covers disorders with nasal discharge. The pattern of
repeated sneezing, watery discharge, a blocked nose and headache triggered by dust, smoke, cold air and seasonal
change corresponds most closely to Vataja Pratishyaya, often with Kapha. Classical causes include
exposure to dust, smoke and cold, suppression of natural urges such as sneezing, irregular sleep, and weak
digestion. Care focuses on avoiding causes, warm food, daily oil nasal drops (pratimarsha nasya), and herbs
that reduce Kapha and support immunity.
Ayurvedic care & safety
Daily routine
Nasya
Two drops of Anu taila or warm sesame oil in each nostril in the morning is a classical daily practice. Avoid during a cold with fever, and in young children, unless advised.
Nasal rinse
Jala neti
Salt-water rinsing with a neti pot. Use only boiled and cooled, or sterile, water — never tap water, which can carry rare but dangerous organisms.
Herbs
Haridra, Tulsi, Trikatu
Haridrakhanda (a turmeric preparation), tulsi–ginger tea and Trikatu are traditionally used for allergy and congestion.
Evidence for these herbs is limited; small studies suggest some benefit. Herbs can be combined with a steroid spray,
but don't replace an asthma inhaler with them. Use licensed products from a qualified practitioner.
Reducing exposure
Wash bedding weekly in hot water (60°C) and dry it in the sun; use mite-proof covers on pillows and mattresses.
Damp-dust and mop rather than sweeping, which throws dust into the air; reduce soft toys, heavy curtains and carpets in bedrooms.
Fix damp and leaks; ventilate bathrooms and kitchens.
In pollen season, keep windows closed in the morning and evening, shower and change after being outdoors, and wear sunglasses.
Avoid smoke — including incense, mosquito coils and cooking smoke — and wear a mask on high-pollution days.
Eat warm, freshly cooked food; drink warm water; keep regular sleep. There is no need to avoid specific foods unless you have a food allergy.
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