If you live in Pune and find yourself constantly sneezing, rubbing your nose, or waking up blocked every morning, you are not alone. With rising air pollution, construction dust, changing weather patterns, and indoor irritants, many people in Pune now experience persistent “cold-like” symptoms that are actually due to allergic rhinitis, not infection.
Allergic rhinitis – often called nasal allergy or “hay fever” – is a common, long-term condition where your immune system overreacts to harmless particles such as dust mites, pollen, mould, or pet dander. It causes sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose and itchy eyes, and can significantly affect sleep, concentration, and overall quality of life.
This article explains what allergic rhinitis is, why it is especially relevant in a city like Pune, when home remedies are enough, and when it is time to see a doctor for allergic rhinitis for proper diagnosis and long-term control.
What Exactly Is Allergic Rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammatory condition of the lining of the nose caused by an allergic reaction. When you breathe in something you are allergic to (an allergen), your immune system releases chemicals such as histamine, leading to:
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Sneezing
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Blocked or stuffy nose
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Clear, watery nasal discharge
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Itchy nose, throat or eyes
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Post-nasal drip and cough
Medical references describe it as an “atopic disease” affecting roughly one in six people, often linked with other allergic conditions like asthma and eczema.
Allergic rhinitis can be:
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Seasonal – triggered at certain times of year (for example, pollen, mould during monsoon, or specific flowering seasons).
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Perennial – present all year round, usually due to dust mites, pet dander, or indoor mould.
In a city like Pune, many patients have a mix of both – perennial symptoms that worsen during specific seasons or pollution spikes.
Why Is Allergic Rhinitis So Common in Pune?
Pune’s environment has changed significantly over the past decade. Rapid urbanisation, traffic, construction, and seasonal crop burning in surrounding areas all contribute to poor air quality. Real-time air-quality monitoring often shows PM2.5 and PM10 levels in Pune in the “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” range, far above WHO recommendations.
Local reports from Pune doctors have noted a clear rise in respiratory and allergy cases, including aggravated allergic rhinitis, during periods of poor air quality, especially around Diwali and winter.
Key local triggers in Pune include:
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Fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) from traffic, industry and seasonal burning
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Construction and road dust, especially in developing areas
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Indoor dust and dander in closed flats and offices
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Sudden temperature shifts between hot days and cooler nights
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Occasional seasonal pollen and mould growth during monsoon
For someone who already has a sensitive nose, this combination can result in almost continuous symptoms unless properly managed.
Common Symptoms – And Why They’re Easy to Ignore
At first glance, allergic rhinitis can look like a never-ending “mild cold”. Typical symptoms include:
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Frequent sneezing, especially in bursts
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Nasal blockage, more on waking or at night
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Clear, watery nasal discharge
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Itchy or runny eyes
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Itchy throat or ears
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Post-nasal drip causing a dry or irritating cough
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Tiredness, poor sleep, feeling “foggy” during the day
Because there is usually no high fever or body pain, many people simply tolerate these symptoms for months or years, taking over-the-counter antihistamines or decongestant drops whenever things get too uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this can mask the problem rather than solve it.
Long-term, poorly controlled allergic rhinitis can:
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Disturb sleep and reduce productivity at work or school
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Increase the risk of sinusitis and ear problems
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Worsen or trigger asthma in susceptible people
When Can You Try Self-Care at Home?
For very mild, occasional symptoms – for example, a few days of sneezing during a dusty house-cleaning session – simple measures may be enough:
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Rinsing the nose with saline to clear allergens and mucus
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Keeping windows closed during heavy traffic or construction nearby
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Using non-sedating antihistamines short-term, if advised by a pharmacist
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Avoiding obvious triggers like strong perfumes, incense, or smoke
However, there is a clear line beyond which self-care and casual pharmacy remedies are no longer sufficient, and you should see a doctor for allergic rhinitis rather than continually self-medicating.
When to See a Doctor for Allergic Rhinitis
International guidelines and expert sources give useful clues about when allergy symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional rather than being left as a “nuisance”. You should strongly consider seeing a doctor if:
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Your symptoms last more than 2–3 weeks without clear improvement
A common cold usually settles within 7–10 days. If you have a blocked or runny nose, sneezing or itchy eyes that persist beyond two weeks – especially if they recur every season – allergies are more likely. -
Your symptoms affect your daily life or sleep
If nasal blockage is making it hard to sleep, concentrate at work, or participate in outdoor activities in Pune, this is no longer “mild”. -
Over-the-counter medicines are not helping enough
If you regularly take antihistamines or decongestant nasal drops without lasting relief, or you are worried about side effects, it is time for a proper evaluation. -
You also have asthma or breathing problems
Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness or frequent coughing along with nasal symptoms need assessment, as allergic rhinitis and asthma often go hand in hand. -
You keep getting sinus infections or ear problems
Repeated sinusitis, facial pressure, or ear blockage may indicate that allergies are contributing to ongoing inflammation. -
You are not sure what is triggering your symptoms
Many patients in Pune are exposed to a mix of dust, pollution and indoor allergens. A doctor can help untangle this and advise targeted avoidance and treatment.
Seeing a specialist early helps you avoid years of discomfort and reduces the risk of complications.
Which Doctor Should You See in Pune?
Depending on your age, symptoms and other health issues, you may be referred to one of the following:
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ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist – ideal for persistent nasal blockage, sinus issues, snoring, or ear symptoms in addition to allergies.
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Allergist / Immunologist – focuses on identifying specific allergens and planning detailed allergy management or immunotherapy.
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Pulmonologist – particularly if you have asthma, chronic cough, or breathing issues alongside allergic rhinitis.
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Paediatrician – for children with recurrent nasal allergy, especially if growth, sleep or school performance are affected.
In many cases, your first step may be a consultation with a general physician or family doctor in Pune, who can then refer you to the most appropriate specialist if needed.
What to Expect During the Consultation
A structured consultation with a doctor for allergic rhinitis is usually much more detailed than a casual visit for a “cold”.
1. Detailed History
The doctor will ask about:
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How long your symptoms have been present
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Whether they are seasonal or year-round
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Typical triggers – dusting, going outdoors in the evening, pets, old buildings, air-conditioned offices
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Sleep quality, snoring, daytime fatigue
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Any history of asthma, eczema or other allergies in you or your family
This helps distinguish allergic rhinitis from other conditions like non-allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, or recurrent infections.
2. Physical Examination
The doctor will examine:
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The inside of your nose for swelling, pale or bluish mucosa, polyps, or deviated septum
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Throat and tonsils for signs of post-nasal drip or infection
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Ears for fluid or pressure changes
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Chest, if you also have cough or breathing symptoms
In some clinics, nasal endoscopy may be used to get a clearer view of the nasal passages and sinuses.
3. Investigations (If Needed)
Depending on your case, you may be advised:
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Allergy testing – skin prick tests or specific IgE blood tests to common allergens (dust mites, moulds, pollens, animal dander).
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Sinus imaging if chronic sinusitis is suspected
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Spirometry (lung function tests) if asthma is a concern
Not every patient needs all these tests; they are recommended selectively where the results will change management.
4. A Tailored Treatment Plan
Evidence-based treatment for allergic rhinitis typically includes:
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Intranasal corticosteroid sprays – considered the most effective first-line treatment for persistent symptoms.
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Non-sedating oral antihistamines – useful for sneezing and itching, particularly for intermittent symptoms.
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Saline nasal irrigation – to wash away allergens and mucus.
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Leukotriene receptor antagonists – sometimes used if you also have asthma.
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Allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) – considered in selected patients with confirmed allergies not controlled by medication.
Your doctor will also discuss trigger avoidance strategies tailored to Pune’s environment – for example reducing dust exposure at home, using masks on days with high pollution, and ventilating or filtering indoor air appropriately.
Living in Pune With Allergic Rhinitis: Practical Tips
Alongside medical treatment, day-to-day adjustments can make a big difference in a city with variable air quality like Pune:
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Monitor air quality and dust forecasts – on days with very poor AQI or high dust/dander levels, limit outdoor activity, especially early morning and late evening.
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Keep indoor spaces as dust-free as possible – regular wet mopping, using microfibre cloths for dusting, and washing bedding in hot water can reduce dust mites and particles.
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Use air conditioning and filters wisely – clean AC filters frequently; consider HEPA-type filters indoors if feasible.
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Shower and change clothes after being outdoors – this helps remove pollen, dust and pollution particles from your hair and skin.
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Avoid excessive use of incense, room fresheners and strong perfumes – these can irritate already inflamed nasal passages.
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Don’t overuse decongestant nose drops – these can cause rebound congestion and dependency if used for more than a few days without medical supervision.
Your doctor can help prioritise what is most realistic for your lifestyle in Pune.
Red Flag Symptoms – When It’s More Than “Just Allergy”
While allergic rhinitis itself is rarely life-threatening, certain symptoms require urgent medical attention:
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Sudden difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness
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Swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat
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High fever, severe facial pain or swelling suggesting acute sinus infection
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Vision changes or severe headache
If you experience any of these, especially after food, medication or an insect bite, seek emergency care immediately – this could indicate a more serious allergic reaction or complication.
The Takeaway: Don’t Normalise Constant Sneezing and Nasal Blockage
In a busy city like Pune, it is easy to dismiss constant sneezing, blocked nose, or itchy eyes as “normal” or “just pollution”. But if these symptoms persist, disturb your sleep, or reduce your quality of life, they deserve proper attention.
Seeing a qualified doctor for allergic rhinitis can help you:
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Confirm that your symptoms are indeed due to allergy and not something else
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Identify your main triggers
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Start effective, evidence-based treatment instead of relying on occasional pills or drops
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Protect your long-term nose, sinus and lung health
If you have been living with “year-round cold” symptoms in Pune, consider this your sign to stop suffering in silence and arrange a specialist consultation. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, most people experience a major improvement in comfort, sleep and day-to-day energy – and that is well worth the effort of one well-planned appointment.
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