Short answer: Nose allergy (allergic rhinitis) is treated in three steps: find the trigger with an allergy test (skin prick or blood IgE test), reduce exposure to it, and control the inflammation with steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines and saline rinses. For people whose symptoms continue despite this, allergen immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity over time. Surgery is only needed when there is also a structural problem such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps or enlarged turbinates. In Jalandhar, allergy testing, nasal endoscopy and ENT treatment are available at Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Harish Nanda, ENT Specialist, Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, Jalandhar · Last reviewed: October 2026
Symptoms of nose allergy
- Repeated sneezing, especially in the morning
- Watery runny nose or a blocked nose
- Itching in the nose, throat or eyes
- Post-nasal drip and throat clearing
- Reduced sense of smell
- Disturbed sleep, snoring or mouth breathing (common in children)
If these last for weeks or keep coming back every season, it is more likely to be allergy than a cold. Allergy can also lead to repeated sinus infections — see nose and sinus care in Jalandhar.
Common nose allergy triggers in Jalandhar and Punjab
- House dust mites: in bedding, carpets, curtains and stored quilts
- Seasonal pollen: from grasses, trees and crops, especially in spring and at harvest time
- Smoke and air pollution: including crop-residue (stubble) burning smoke in October–November, which irritates the nose even in people without a true allergy
- Mould: in damp rooms during the monsoon
- Pet dander and cockroach allergens
- Strong smells: incense, perfumes, cleaning chemicals — irritants that worsen symptoms
How nose allergy is diagnosed
- ENT examination and nasal endoscopy: checks the lining, septum, turbinates and looks for polyps
- Skin prick test: a quick test for common airborne and food allergens
- Blood IgE test: for patients who cannot have skin testing
- CT scan of the sinuses: only when chronic sinusitis or polyps are suspected
Learn more about allergy testing in Jalandhar. Some medicines, such as antihistamines, need to be stopped for a few days before skin testing — our team will guide you.
Treatment options
| Treatment | What it does | Points to know |
|---|---|---|
| Allergen avoidance | Reduces exposure to your specific trigger | Works best once the trigger is known from testing |
| Saline nasal rinse | Washes out allergens and mucus | Safe for daily use; use clean, boiled-and-cooled or sterile water |
| Steroid nasal spray | Reduces swelling and inflammation in the nose | Most effective regular treatment; works over days, not minutes; correct spraying technique matters |
| Antihistamine tablets or sprays | Relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose | Some older antihistamines cause drowsiness |
| Other medicines (e.g. montelukast) | Added for selected patients, often with asthma | Prescribed after ENT assessment |
| Allergen immunotherapy | Gradually reduces the body’s sensitivity to a specific allergen | For persistent allergy confirmed by testing; a long-term course |
| Surgery (septoplasty, turbinate reduction, FESS) | Corrects blockage from a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or polyps | Does not cure the allergy itself, but improves breathing when anatomy is the problem |
What not to do
- Do not use decongestant nose drops (such as oxymetazoline or xylometazoline) for more than a few days — long-term use causes rebound blockage
- Do not take steroid tablets or injections for allergy without a doctor’s supervision
- Do not ignore nose allergy with wheezing or cough — nasal allergy and asthma often occur together
Simple steps that help at home
- Wash bedsheets and pillow covers in hot water every week and sun-dry quilts
- Use dust-mite-proof covers for pillows and mattresses if dust mites are the trigger
- Keep windows closed and use a mask on high-pollution or high-pollen days
- Wear a mask while dusting or cleaning
- Keep rooms dry and well ventilated to prevent mould
Frequently asked questions
Can nose allergy be cured permanently?
Allergy usually cannot be switched off completely, but it can be controlled very well. Immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity over the long term for suitable patients, and many people have few symptoms once triggers and treatment are right.
Is it safe to use a steroid nasal spray for a long time?
Modern steroid nasal sprays act mainly in the nose and are widely used long-term under a doctor’s supervision. They are different from steroid tablets. Your ENT doctor will advise the right dose and duration.
Is it allergy or sinusitis?
Allergy usually causes sneezing, itching and a watery discharge. Sinusitis more often causes facial pain or pressure, thick discharge and reduced smell, and may follow allergy. An ENT examination with nasal endoscopy helps tell them apart.
When should I see an ENT specialist?
See an ENT specialist if symptoms last more than a few weeks, keep returning every season, disturb sleep, cause repeated sinus infections or do not improve with basic treatment. Children with constant mouth breathing or snoring should also be checked.
Book an allergy and ENT consultation in Jalandhar
Kataria Eye & ENT Hospital, 1, Mahavir Marg, Gujral Nagar, Jalandhar — ENT care led by Dr. Harish Nanda. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am–2 pm and 5 pm–7 pm. Call or WhatsApp 99146-00666 or book online. Also read: chronic nasal congestion.
This article is for general information and does not replace a personal ENT examination.
