Experts do not know how to prevent allergic rhinitis. Being exposed to many allergens, secondhand smoke, and air pollution can irritate the nose and throat and may contribute to developing an allergy.

You can take steps to reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or to make symptoms less severe.

Avoiding allergens

It is important to avoid allergens that are causing your symptoms. By doing this, you may be able to reduce your allergy symptoms, manage them without medicine or with fewer medicines, and reduce your risk of developing complications such as sinusitis. You can do this by:

• Controlling dust and dust mites, which includes dusting regularly and washing bed linens in hot water.
• Controlling animal dander and other pet allergens, which includes restricting pets to certain areas of your home.
• Controlling indoor molds, which includes cleaning bathtubs and showers monthly.
• Avoiding outdoor pollens, which includes staying inside while pollen counts are high.

For more information, see:

Allergies: Avoiding indoor triggers.

Allergies: Avoiding outdoor triggers.