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The Daily Insight

What will happen if Allergic rhinitis is left untreated?

Author

James Craig

Published Mar 22, 2026

When left untreated, allergic rhinitis often becomes chronic and may lead to complications including: Chronic nasal inflammation and obstruction, which can lead to more serious complications in the airways. Acute or chronic sinusitis. Otitis media, or ear infection.

What causes sudden nasal allergies?

Whatever the trigger, the result is the same — swollen nasal membranes, congestion or excessive mucus. There are many triggers of nonallergic rhinitis, including: Environmental or occupational irritants. Dust, smog, secondhand smoke or strong odors, such as perfumes, can trigger nonallergic rhinitis.

Can allergies affect your ears nose and throat?

Stomach and intestinal problems, such as skin rashes, chronic headaches and fatigue can be symptoms of allergies. Allergies can affect your ears, nose and throat, among other areas of your body.

Can you develop nasal allergies later in life?

Can You Develop Allergies Later in Life? It is certainly possible to develop allergies in adulthood. Adult-onset allergies can occur seemingly out of nowhere due to exposure to new allergens in the environment, family history and changes in the immune system.

Do allergies reduce life expectancy?

“We found that allergic rhinitis patients had a decreased risk of heart attack, a decreased risk of stroke and, most strikingly, a decreased risk of all-cause mortality,” said lead investigator Angelina Crans Yoon, MD, from the Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical …

What is the best treatment for allergic rhinitis?

Intranasal corticosteroids are the single most effective drug class for treating allergic rhinitis. They can significantly reduce nasal congestion as well as sneezing, itching and a runny nose.

What is the best medicine for nose allergy?

Some common ones are:

  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Clemastine (Tavist)
  • Desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
  • Fexofenadine (Allegra)
  • Loratadine (Claritin)

How do I unclog my nose from allergies?

Home Treatments

  1. Use a humidifier or vaporizer.
  2. Take long showers or breathe in steam from a pot of warm (but not too hot) water.
  3. Drink lots of fluids.
  4. Use a nasal saline spray.
  5. Try a Neti pot, nasal irrigator, or bulb syringe.
  6. Place a warm, wet towel on your face.
  7. Prop yourself up.
  8. Avoid chlorinated pools.

Can allergies bother your ears?

Allergic reactions can cause the outer ear to itch or swell. The middle ear contains the Eustachian tube, which acts as a drainage tube of sorts. When mucus clogs the middle ear it affects that drainage. Pressure builds, which can lead to discomfort, popping in the ears or an earache.

Can allergies just affect your throat?

When you have allergies, your body releases chemicals (called histamines) and they fight the allergen in the same manner as when you battle a cold bug. You can develop swollen nasal passages, runny nose, sneezing, cough and a sore throat.

Why does my ear hurt when I have allergies?

Allergic rhinitis is a possible cause of ear pain. Nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, can sometimes give rise to ear pain. Allergies create congestion in the sinuses and ear canals, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the ear. Allergies cause the body to release chemicals, such as histamine, that can irritate the nose, eyes, and throat.

Can a stuffy nose cause an Earache?

Your middle ear may itch as well. The inner ear is filled with fluid, and if this fluid becomes infected, you may suffer dizziness, ringing in the ear or loss of balance. Sometimes a stuffy nose and sinus pressure can radiate to the ears, causing pressure or earaches. Some people experience a short-term hearing loss due to an allergic reaction.

What causes a runny nose and itchy ear?

Common substances that cause allergies are pollen, mold, pet hair, dust, pollution and some types of foods. Allergies can be seasonal or year round and the symptoms can be mild or severe. Along with runny itchy eyes, stuffy nose, rashes and fatigue, there are also ear related symptoms of allergies.

How to get rid of an Earache from allergies?

Antihistamines and decongestants can reduce the feeling of fullness in the ear. Other treatments that may help with allergic reactions in the ear include a warm compress, such as a washcloth placed on the ear or prescription eardrops. Pain medication also may help an earache.