What Increases Your Risk

You may be more likely to have allergic rhinitis and other allergies if:

• You have a family history of allergies, especially allergic rhinitis. A child is more likely to have an allergy if both parents have an allergy or have the same type of allergy.
• You are exposed to dust mites, animal dander, or other indoor allergens.
• You are exposed to pollens or molds.

When to Call a Doctor

Call your doctor if:

• You have pain in the sinus area and other symptoms of sinus infection. (Symptoms may include fever or a creamy, yellow or green discharge from the nose.)
• Your allergy symptoms get worse and you don't know why.
• You are taking a prescription or over-the-counter allergy medicine that does not help your symptoms.
• Your allergy medicine is causing side effects that bother you, such as decreased coordination or increased drowsiness.
• You have a fever or ear pain.
• You have a cough or cold that lasts longer than 1 to 2 weeks.
• You have severe itching of the eyes or nose.
• Your allergy disturbs your life.

Who to see

Health professionals who can evaluate and treat mild allergic rhinitis symptoms include:

• Family medicine physicians.
• Pediatricians.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

You may need to see an allergy specialist (allergist), depending on your symptoms or which other treatments you may need. For example, you may need to see a specialist if your medicines are not working or cause severe side effects or if you are thinking about getting allergy shots (immunotherapy).

Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also called an otolaryngologist or otorhinolaryngologist). An ENT specialist may be helpful if your doctor thinks you may have nasal polyps or other obstructions in your nose.