Symptoms of allergic rhinitis may develop within minutes after you breathe in an allergen, or they may not occur for another 4 to 8 hours. Symptoms often last longer than 10 days.

The most common immediate symptoms include:

• Sneezing repeatedly, especially after you wake up in the morning. Sneezing can occur as soon as 1 to 2 minutes after you breathe in an allergen.
• A runny nose (rhinorrhea). The drainage from a runny nose caused by allergies is usually clear and thin but may thicken and become cloudy or yellowish if a nasal or sinus infection develops. A runny nose can occur as soon as 3 minutes after you breathe in an allergen.
• Postnasal drip, which often feels like a tickle in your throat. It can trigger a cough as you try to clear your throat.
• Watery, itchy eyes. This may be allergic pinkeye.
• Itchy ears, nose, and throat.

Symptoms that may take longer to develop include:

• A stuffy nose, possibly with sniffing. This is the most common symptom in children and may be their only complaint.
• Eyes that are sensitive to light.
• Feeling grumpy or moody.
• Loss of energy.
• Poor sleep.
• Breathing through your mouth because your nose is blocked.
• An altered sense of smell.
• A long-lasting (chronic) cough.
• Problems with sinuses and the tubes that run between the inside of the ears and the back of the throat (eustachian tubes).
• A sense of pressure in an ear or difficulty hearing.
• Discomfort or pain in the face.
• Dark circles or patches under the eyes (allergic shiners).
• Rubbing the nose, which may cause a crease on the bridge of the nose (allergic crease).
• Rubbing the nose upward with the palm of the hand to reduce itching and open the nasal passages (allergic salute). This is often seen in children.

Variation in symptoms

If your allergies occur only at certain times of the year, your symptoms are likely to be itching, sneezing, a runny nose, and watery and itchy eyes. If you have allergies often or year-round, common symptoms include a stuffy nose and postnasal drip, although sneezing and a runny nose may also occur.

You generally have symptoms for life, although the types and how severe they are may vary. Symptoms may get worse at certain times, but the allergens may also affect you less as you grow older.

Irritating substances in the air, such as air pollution, diesel fumes, cigarette or wood smoke, insecticides, strong odors, or perfume, may make your symptoms worse.

If you are allergic to dust mites, animal dander, or indoor mold, your symptoms may be more severe in winter when you spend more time indoors.

Your symptoms may be worse if you are pregnant. Although you and the baby (fetus) are not in danger, allergic rhinitis can make your asthma and sinusitis worse. It is important to discuss this with your doctor, as some medicines might be better for you and your baby than others.

Other problems with symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis include upper respiratory infections (URIs), nasal defects, and inflammation (rhinitis) not caused by an allergen (nonallergic rhinitis).