🧭 When to suspect

Suspect allergic rhinitis in patients presenting with sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhoea (runny nose), or nasal congestion/blockage. Symptoms are often variable and may be seasonal (hay fever, triggered by pollens) or perennial (year-round, triggered by dust mites, moulds, or pets).

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and examination, supported by a personal or family history of atopy (asthma, eczema, or allergic rhinitis). The ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) classification is used to grade symptom severity and guide treatment:

ARIA Severity Classification	Criteria
Mild	No troublesome symptoms; normal sleep; no impairment of daily activities, leisure, or work/school.
Moderate to Severe	Troublesome symptoms; abnormal sleep; impairment of daily activities; or problems at school/work.

Source: BSACI 2017 · ARIA Guidelines

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