Allergic Conjunctivitis and Rhinitis Together: How to Manage Them as One
The eyes and nose are often affected at the same time. Managing them together with shared environmental control and a coordinated medicine plan is easier.
Why they often appear together
The conjunctiva of the eye and the lining of the nose are both places where airborne allergens make contact. The same allergen can cause itchy eyes and nasal symptoms at the same time. So it is often more effective to manage them together rather than separately.
What you can do together
- Environmental control: reduce exposure to house dust mite, pollen and pet dander
- Nasal saline irrigation, cold compresses on the eyes, and rinsing with artificial tears
- Follow your doctor's advice on when to use nasal and eye medicines
- Start protection early in pollen season to reduce overlapping symptoms
When to see a doctor
When symptoms involve the eyes, nose or even the lower airways, tell your doctor about all of them at the same time. This helps them assess your medicines as a whole and decide whether further tests are needed. Do not use nasal or eye drops containing decongestants on your own for a long time, to avoid rebound symptoms and side effects.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please follow your doctor's instructions.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your symptoms affect daily life, please see a doctor.