The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Allergic Rhinitis

Seasonal and perennial allergies, intranasal steroids, immunotherapy, quality of life

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department. Book Appointment →

What is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity of nasal mucosa to inhaled allergens. Sensitization triggers mast cell degranulation releasing histamine, leukotrienes, and cytokines that produce immediate symptoms within minutes and a late-phase response with congestion 4 to 8 hours after exposure.

ARIA classification distinguishes intermittent (under 4 days weekly or under 4 weeks) from persistent (more than 4 days weekly or more than 4 weeks), and mild (no impact on daily life) from moderate-severe (impaired sleep, work, or activities). Common triggers include house dust mites, pet dander, pollens (tree, grass, weed), and mold spores.

First-line treatment for moderate-severe disease is intranasal corticosteroid spray daily. Second-generation oral antihistamines control itching and sneezing. Leukotriene receptor antagonists, intranasal antihistamines, and saline irrigation provide additional control. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (sublingual or subcutaneous) achieves disease modification in selected patients with monosensitization.

Symptoms

Sneezing in paroxysms
Watery rhinorrhea (runny nose)
Nasal congestion and obstruction
Itching of nose, palate, and eyes
Postnasal drip and throat clearing

Risk Factors

Family history of atopy
Asthma and atopic dermatitis comorbidity
Early life allergen exposure
Tobacco smoke exposure
Air pollution exposure

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When symptoms impair sleep or daily activities
  • When over-the-counter antihistamines fail
  • For chronic nasal congestion not responding to therapy
  • For consideration of allergy testing
  • For sublingual or subcutaneous immunotherapy evaluation

Treatment Methods

01
Allergen avoidance and environmental control
02
Intranasal corticosteroid daily as first-line
03
Second-generation oral antihistamines
04
Leukotriene receptor antagonists
05
Saline nasal irrigation
06
Sublingual or subcutaneous immunotherapy

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Allergic Rhinitis

KBB (Kulak Burun Boğaz)

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE-mediated inflammatory nasal disease causing sneezing, congestion, runny nose and itching; it is treated with allergen avoidance, antihistamines, intranasal steroids and immunotherapy.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.