Have you had a persistently runny nose and itchy eyes for more than a month?

Yes: Allergic rhinitis: It is likely that you have a form of this. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic reaction to different types of pollen. Allergic rhinitis can be an allergy to house dust or animal fur.

What to do: Keep away from the trigger as much as possible. If you have hay fever, sleeping with your bedroom window closed to prevent pollen from entering during the night, wearing sunglasses to avoid irritation to your eyes and staying indoors in the early evening when pollen counts peak can all make life more bearable. For all types of allergic rhinitis, oral antihistamines that are available over the counter can be helpful. If this doesn’t work, consult your GP.

No: Common cold: A runny nose that is not accompanied by itchy eyes is likely to be the result of a common cold or viral infection. Young children generally suffer from quite a few colds each year until they are about 6 and their immune systems are better developed. There is no cure for a cold, but drinking plenty of fluids, applying a barrier cream to the upper lip and around the nose to prevent soreness and taking paracetamol can relieve the symptoms. Inhaling steam from a bowl full of hot water can help to unblock a stuffy nose.

Sinusitis: A yellow/green nasal discharge coupled with some pain in the face can signify sinusitis. See your doctor within 24 hours as antibiotics might be prescribed.

Explore Health

• Health Features

• Expert Advice

• Alternative Medicine

• Mental Health

• Child Health

• Health Club