Itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion, and constant irritation can drain your energy. If allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is disrupting your daily life, Dr. Ryan E. Stern, MD, our board-certified ENT, investigates the root cause and offers minimally invasive solutions to help you breathe again.
Suffering From a Runny Nose and Irritated Eyes?
Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is a condition that affects both your nose and eyes when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander. It includes nasal symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose, as well as eye symptoms such as itching, redness, and watering. In the Pacific Northwest, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is particularly common due to year-round moisture and seasonal pollen. This condition can impact your sleep, focus, and daily comfort far beyond simple seasonal allergies.
Signs & Symptoms of Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
When your immune system reacts to everyday allergens, symptoms often show up in both your nose and eyes at the same time, including:
- Persistent sneezing and nasal congestion
- Runny or dripping nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Swollen or puffy eyelids
- Post-nasal drip and throat irritation
- Sinus pressure or facial discomfort
- Fatigue from disrupted sleep
What Causes Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis?
Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis occurs when your immune system overreacts to harmless particles that enter the nose and come into contact with the eyes. The nasal lining and eye surface share connected inflammatory pathways, so exposure to allergens can trigger swelling, mucus production, and eye irritation at the same time.
Common triggers include:
- Airborne pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
- Mold spores common in damp environments
- Dust mites found in household fabrics
- Pet dander from cats and dogs
- Environmental irritants that worsen allergic inflammation
Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis Treatment
Your care begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Stern, who carefully evaluates how inflammation is affecting your nasal passages and the surface of your eyes. He reviews your symptom patterns, seasonal triggers, and environmental exposures, then performs a detailed nasal endoscopy to assess swelling, mucus production, and structural contributors. Allergy testing may be recommended to pinpoint the exact allergens driving your allergies.
Treatment is tailored to calm inflammation at its source and may include steroid nasal sprays to reduce tissue swelling, antihistamines to block allergic reactions, and medicated eye drops to relieve redness and itching. For persistent symptoms, allergy immunotherapy can retrain your immune system over time. When appropriate, Dr. Stern may recommend minimally invasive, in-office procedures to reduce chronic nasal inflammation and improve overall comfort.
Why Choose Dr. Stern?
Dr. Ryan E. Stern is a board-certified Otolaryngologist-Head & Neck Surgeon with over 25 years of clinical experience caring for the Pacific Northwest community. He is known for taking a truly patient-first approach to care, taking the time to listen, explain your condition clearly, and tailor treatment to your specific symptoms and goals. If allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Stern in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, today.
