Symptoms

The features of hay fever are a runny nose (rhinorrhoea) that is normally clear and copious in volume. Sneezing is also a major symptom, as is itching in the nose. In very severe cases the nose becomes blocked and as a result the sense of smell will also disappear. Often due to the allergic nature of the problem the eyes become sore, itchy and watery.

If it occurs all year it is called perennial rhinitis. In some patients, swellings form inside the nose, often in response to allergy and infection. Because of the shape of the inside of the nose, these swellings become pear-shaped, and gradually get bigger. They are called polyps.

Post-nasal drip is a mucous accumulation in the back of the nose and throat leading to or giving the sensation of mucus dripping downward from the back of the nose. Chronic rhinitis is characterized by persistent irritation and inflammation of the lining tissues of the nose. One of the most common characteristics of chronic rhinitis is post- nasal drip. Post-nasal drip may lead to chronic sore throat. Post-nasal drip can be caused by excessive or thick secretions or impairment in the normal clearance of mucus from the nose or throat.