Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever when pollen is the trigger, causes sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes. Pharmacy remedies help many people, but if they are not controlling your symptoms, prescription-strength treatment may help. With Global Health you can request hay fever and allergic rhinitis treatment online in Brazil. You complete a secure questionnaire, a licensed doctor reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable the doctor issues a digital prescription (receita digital) that you receive in your Global Health account and can present at a pharmacy in Brazil. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by a licensed doctor
- A prescription for allergy tablets, a nasal spray or eye drops, if clinically suitable
- A digital prescription (receita digital) in your Global Health account, to present at a pharmacy in Brazil
- Written advice on how to use the treatment and reduce contact with your allergy triggers
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The service fee covers the doctor's review. The medicine is paid for separately at the pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
Our doctors cannot safely prescribe allergic rhinitis treatment online if you:
- are under 18
- are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding
- have a wheeze, a tight chest, a cough at night or any difficulty breathing, as these may be signs of asthma that need a proper review
- have a painful red eye, changes in your vision or sensitivity to light
- have symptoms on one side of the nose only, nosebleeds, facial pain or a loss of smell that does not improve
- have glaucoma, or take long-term steroid tablets
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your rhinitis symptoms, what you have tried, your general health and any medication you take.
- Doctor review. A licensed doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Digital prescription. If treatment is suitable, the doctor issues a digital prescription, which appears in your Global Health account for you to present at a pharmacy in Brazil. If it is not, the doctor explains why and suggests a next step.
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis happens when your immune system overreacts to things that are normally harmless, such as house dust mites, dust, mould, animal dander or pollen. Your body releases histamine and other chemicals, which cause inflammation in the nose, eyes and throat. Common symptoms include bouts of sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, red and watery eyes, an itchy throat, mouth or ears, headache and tiredness.
Year-round and seasonal symptoms in Brazil
In Brazil, allergic rhinitis is often linked to triggers that are present all year, such as house dust mites, mould and pet dander, so many people have symptoms for most of the year. Some people also get worse at certain times:
- in dry weather and when the seasons change, when dust and pollution are more concentrated
- when homes are kept closed and damp, which favours dust mites and mould
- in spring in some regions, mainly in the South, because of grass pollen
Other causes of similar symptoms
A cold also causes sneezing and a runny nose, but it usually clears within a week or two and may come with a sore throat or temperature. Sinusitis, a deviated septum and long-term use of decongestant nasal sprays can also cause a blocked nose. If your symptoms are different from usual, a doctor should assess you.
Allergic rhinitis treatment options
There is no cure for allergic rhinitis, so the aim is to control symptoms. Your doctor will discuss the right medication based on your symptoms:
- Antihistamine tablets block histamine and help with sneezing, itching and a runny nose. Non-drowsy types are taken once a day.
- Steroid nasal sprays reduce inflammation in the nose and are usually recommended first for a blocked nose. They work best when used every day, and full effect can take several days.
- Anti-allergy eye drops ease itchy, watery and red eyes.
To use a nasal spray, tilt your head slightly forward, aim the nozzle towards the side of your nose, away from the middle, and sniff gently. Long-acting steroid injections for hay fever or rhinitis are not recommended routinely. One injection stays in the body for weeks, so if side effects such as raised blood sugar, mood changes, thinning of the skin or effects on the bones occur, the medicine cannot be stopped. Avoid using decongestant nasal sprays for more than a few days, because longer use can make the blockage worse. For severe allergic rhinitis, a specialist may offer immunotherapy (desensitisation).
Day to day, cutting down your contact with triggers helps alongside medication: wash bedding often, use dust-mite covers on mattresses and pillows, dust with a damp cloth, keep rooms ventilated and free of mould, avoid rugs, heavy curtains and soft toys that collect dust, and rinse your nose with saline.
Side effects and safety
Antihistamines can cause drowsiness in some people, even non-drowsy types, as well as a dry mouth or headache. Do not drive if you feel drowsy, and avoid alcohol, which can increase drowsiness. Steroid nasal sprays can cause dryness, irritation, an unpleasant taste or minor nosebleeds. Eye drops may sting briefly. Remove contact lenses before using eye drops unless the instructions say otherwise.
If you develop wheeze, breathlessness or a tight chest, or your lips or tongue swell, seek urgent medical help and call SAMU on 192 if it is severe.
When to see a doctor in person
See a doctor if your symptoms do not improve with treatment, rhinitis is affecting your sleep, work or study, or you find yourself needing decongestant sprays often. You should also be seen if you have asthma that gets worse along with your rhinitis. You can also meet our doctors or see all online prescription services.