Dust Allergy and Allergic Rhinitis: Symptoms, Triggers and Relief

Sneezing fits in the morning, a nose that runs like a tap, itchy watery eyes and a scratchy throat that does not go away. If this happens every time you dust a room, step outside in smoggy weather or change the seasons, it may not be a cold at all. It may be an allergy (dust allergy, or allergic rhinitis).

This guide helps you tell an allergy from a cold, find your triggers, ease symptoms at home, understand the medicines available, and know when to see a doctor.

Allergy or cold?

• Itchy eyes, nose and throat point to allergy. A cold rarely itches.
• Clear, watery mucus is typical of allergy. Colds often turn thick and yellow-green after a few days.
• Duration: a cold usually clears in a week to ten days. Allergy symptoms continue for weeks while you are exposed to the trigger.
• Fever and body aches belong to infections, not allergies.
• Repeating pattern: if you get the same symptoms at the same time of year, or in the same room, think allergy.

Common triggers in Pakistan

• House dust and dust mites, which live in bedding, mattresses, carpets and soft toys.
• Pollen: spring and early autumn are the worst times in many cities. The paper mulberry trees in Islamabad and Rawalpindi are a well-known source.
• Smog and smoke: from crop burning, traffic and factories, which irritate an already sensitive nose and eyes. See our smog protection guide.
• Pet hair and dander, including cats and birds.
• Mould, which grows in damp walls, bathrooms and air coolers.
• Strong smells: perfumes, incense (loban), mosquito coils and cooking fumes.

Symptoms to expect

• Repeated sneezing, especially in the morning
• Runny or blocked nose
• Itchy, red, watery eyes
• Itchy throat or roof of the mouth, and postnasal drip that makes you clear your throat
• Dark circles under the eyes, and tiredness from poor sleep
• A cough, which can be a sign that asthma is involved

Home steps that really help

• Wash bedding every week in hot water, and dry it in the sun. Cover pillows and mattresses with dust-proof covers.
• Damp-dust, do not dry-sweep. A wet cloth traps dust, while a broom throws it into the air.
• Keep windows closed on high pollen or smog days, especially in the early morning.
• Wear a mask when cleaning or going out on smoggy days.
• Keep pets out of the bedroom, and wash your hands after touching them.
• Fix damp walls and clean air coolers often to stop mould.
• Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors in the pollen season.
• Rinse your nose with saline to wash out dust and pollen.

Medicines and sprays

There are several types of allergy medicine. Always follow the pack or your doctor’s advice.

• Saline nasal sprays clear the nose gently and are safe to use often. Norsaline-P Nasal Spray is a simple option for a blocked or dry nose, including in children.
• Antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine reduce sneezing, itching and runny nose. Some cause drowsiness, so check the label before driving. A syrup such as Daylong Syrup contains cetirizine and is used for hay fever and itching.
• Steroid nasal sprays such as Mometaget Nasal Spray and Flutiaze Nasal Spray are the most effective option for ongoing allergic rhinitis. They work best when used regularly, not just when symptoms flare, and take a few days to build up. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether they suit you.
• Decongestant sprays (the kind that clear the nose in minutes) should not be used for more than a few days. Longer use can make the blockage worse.

Browse the full allergy range on Khasmart.

When to see a doctor

• Symptoms last more than two weeks despite home steps and simple medicines.
• Sleep, school or work are affected.
• You have wheezing, chest tightness or a night cough, which may be asthma.
• You have facial pain, thick yellow-green mucus or fever, which may mean a sinus infection.
• Your child has a constantly blocked nose, snores or breathes through the mouth.
• You have swelling of the lips, tongue or face, or difficulty breathing after contact with something. This is an emergency.

A doctor can arrange allergy testing if needed and can advise on long-term treatment.

Allergies in children

Children with allergic rhinitis often rub their nose upward (the allergic salute), have dark circles under the eyes and snore. Dust control at home matters a lot. Ask a paediatrician before giving any medicine, and never give adult products to young children.

Frequently asked questions

Can allergy turn into asthma?

Allergic rhinitis and asthma often go together. Good control of nose symptoms can help, and your doctor can check your chest if you cough or wheeze.

Why are my allergies worse in winter?

People spend more time indoors with dust mites and mould, and smog levels rise in many cities. Dry air can also irritate the nose.

Do antihistamines make you sleepy?

Some do, some less so. Read the leaflet, and avoid driving or machinery until you know how a product affects you.

Can I stop allergies permanently?

Allergies tend to be long-term, but symptoms can be well controlled. Avoiding triggers and using the right medicine makes a big difference.

Order allergy care, saline sprays and masks from Khasmart, with delivery across Pakistan.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. It does not include dosage; always follow the directions on the pack or from your doctor.