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Hay fever or allergies are medically referred to as allergic rhinitis. When your body overreacts to things that don't bother most people, you have an allergy. These are known as allergens. Symptoms are caused by your body's overreaction to allergens.
Allergic rhinitis is classified into two types:
- Seasonal (hay fever): An allergy to pollen and/or mold spores in the air causes this condition. Pollen is a fine powder produced by flowering plants. It is easily inhaled and can be carried through the air. Symptoms typically appear in the spring, late summer, and fall.
- Perennial: Other allergens, such as dust mites, pet hair or dander, or mold, are to blame. Symptoms appear all year.
The most common type of allergy is hay fever. Hay fever symptoms are seasonal. When the pollens that affect you are at their peak, you will feel worse.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Allergic rhinitis is characterized by the following symptoms:
- sneezing
- a stuffy nose
- a runny nose
- a scratchy nose
- dark circles beneath the eyes
- recurring headaches
- Eczema-like symptoms include extremely dry, itchy skin that can blister and weep.
- hives
- excessive exhaustion
- coughing
- a scratchy or sore throat
- itchiness in the eyes
- teary eyes
When you come into contact with an allergen, you will usually experience one or more of these symptoms. Some symptoms, such as recurrent headaches and fatigue, may appear only after long-term allergen exposure. Hay fever does not cause fever.
Some people only have symptoms on rare occasions. This is most likely to happen if you are exposed to allergens in large quantities. Other people have symptoms all year round. If your symptoms persist for more than a few weeks and do not appear to be improving, consult your doctor about allergies.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
When your body overreacts to things that don't bother most people, you have an allergy. These are known as allergens. When you are exposed to an allergen and have allergies, your body produces chemicals. Histamine is one such chemical. Histamine is your body's natural defense against allergens. Your symptoms are caused by the release of histamine.
Hay fever is a pollen-induced allergic reaction. Pollen is produced by flowering trees, grass, and weeds. If you are allergic to pollen, you will notice that your symptoms worsen on hot, dry days when the pollen is carried by the wind. Pollen is washed to the ground on rainy days, so you are less likely to breathe it in.
- Spring allergies (late April and May) are frequently caused by tree pollen.
- Summer allergies (late May to mid-July) are frequently caused by grass and weed pollen.
- Ragweed is a common cause of fall allergies (late August to the first frost).
Perennial allergic rhinitis can be caused by the following allergens:
- Mold: Mold is common in places where water collects, such as shower curtains and damp basements. It is also found in decaying logs, hay, and mulch. This allergy is usually exacerbated by humid and rainy weather.
- Animal dander: Allergens are found in the skin, saliva, and urine of furry pets such as cats and dogs. When handling an animal, you may be exposed to dander, as well as from dander-containing house dust.
- Dust: Dust contains many allergens, including dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic living creatures that can be found in bedding, mattresses, carpeting, and upholstered furniture. They feed on dead skin cells and other substances found in household dust.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Allergies can affect anyone, but if your family has a history of allergies, you are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis. Asthma or atopic eczema can also increase your chances of developing allergic rhinitis.
External factors that can cause or worsen this condition include:
- cigarette smoke
- chemicals
- cold temperatures
- humidity
- wind
- pollution of the air
- hairspray
- perfumes
- colognes
- wood smoke
- fumes
HOW IS ALLERGIC RHINITIS DIAGNOSED?
Consult your family doctor if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life. Your doctor will interview you about your symptoms and medical history, as well as perform a physical exam. Keeping a record of your symptoms over time can assist your doctor in determining what causes your allergies.
To determine what you are allergic to, your doctor may recommend an allergy skin test. Tiny amounts of allergens are applied to your skin during an allergy skin test. Tiny pricks will be felt on your skin. It is not excruciating. Your doctor will monitor and document how your skin reacts to each allergen.
A blood test, such as the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), may also be ordered by your doctor. This test detects antibodies in your blood that determine which allergens you are allergic to. Once your allergens have been identified, you and your doctor can decide on the best course of action.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Allergies can be treated with a variety of medications. Your doctor will advise you on the best medication for you based on your symptoms, age, and overall health. If you use these medications on a regular basis, before being exposed to allergens, they can help prevent symptoms.
Antihistamines: These aid in the relief of allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. These are available as pills and nasal sprays. Many are available without a prescription. Some medications necessitate a prescription.
Decongestants: Decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine, provide temporary relief from the stuffy nose caused by allergies. Decongestants are found in many medications and are available in the form of pills, nasal sprays, and nose drops. They should only be used for a short period of time. Nose sprays and drops should not be used for more than three days because they can become addictive. When you try to stop using them, you will feel even more stymied. Decongestants are available without a doctor's prescription. Decongestants, on the other hand, can raise your blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, consult your doctor before using them.
Nasal steroid sprays: These reduce the nasal tissues' reaction to inhaled allergens. This relieves nasal swelling and makes you feel less congested. They are the most effective at treating chronic symptom patients. Many nasal steroids can now be purchased without a prescription. You may not notice any benefits for up to two weeks after you begin using them.
Eye drops: If your other medications aren't providing enough relief for your itchy, watery eyes, your doctor may prescribe eye drops. Some are available without a prescription.
Leukotriene inhibitors: Leukotriene inhibitors are prescription medications that aid in the blocking of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are another type of chemical that the body produces in response to allergens.
Cromolyn sodium: Cromolyn sodium is a nasal spray that aids in the prevention of allergic reactions. It may take 2 to 4 weeks for this medication to begin working. It is not required to have a prescription to obtain it.
Allergy shots or sublingual tablets (also known as immunotherapy): These are options for people who have tried other treatments but still experience allergy symptoms. These shots or dissolvable tablets contain only a trace of the allergen to which you are allergic. They are given on a regular basis so that your body becomes accustomed to the allergens. This reduces your body's sensitivity to allergens. Your allergy symptoms will become less severe over time.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT OR AVOID ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Allergic rhinitis is unavoidable. You can alleviate your symptoms by avoiding the things that cause them, such as:
- Keeping the windows shut. This is especially critical during pollen seasons.
- After petting animals, wash your hands.
- Using dust- and mite-resistant bedding and mattress covers.
- When outside, you should wear glasses to protect your eyes.
- Showering before going to bed to remove allergens from the hair and skin.
You can also avoid things that may aggravate your symptoms, such as:
- Aerosol sprays.
- Air pollution.
- Cold temperatures.
- Humidity.
- Irritating fumes.
- Tobacco use.
- Wind.
- Smoke from wood.
HOME REMEDIES FOR ALLERGIC RHINITIS
The home remedies you use will be determined by your allergens. If you suffer from seasonal or pollen allergies, use an air conditioner instead of opening your windows. If at all possible, include an allergy-specific filter.
Indoor allergies can be controlled by using a dehumidifier or a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. If you have a dust mite allergy, wash your sheets and blankets in hot water that is above 130°F (54.4°C). Using a HEPA filter in your vacuum and vacuuming once a week can also help. Limiting the amount of carpet in your home can also be beneficial.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS?
Unfortunately, allergic rhinitis cannot be avoided. The importance of treatment and management in achieving a high quality of life with allergies cannot be overstated. Hay fever can cause the following complications:
- inability to sleep due to symptoms that keep you awake at night
- Asthma symptoms may develop or worsen.
- recurring ear infections
- sinusitis, also known as recurrent sinus infections
- absences from school or work due to decreased productivity
- recurring headaches
Antihistamine side effects can also cause complications. Drowsiness is the most common symptom. Headache, anxiety, and insomnia are some of the other side effects. Antihistamines can have gastrointestinal, urinary, and circulatory side effects in rare cases.
ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN CHILDREN
Children can get allergic rhinitis, and it usually starts before the age of ten. If your child develops cold-like symptoms at the same time every year, they most likely have seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Children's symptoms are similar to those of adults. Allergy conjunctivitis is characterized by watery, bloodshot eyes in children. If your child exhibits wheezing or shortness of breath in addition to other symptoms, he or she may have asthma.
Consult your doctor if you suspect your child has allergies. It is critical to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
If your child has severe seasonal allergies, limit their exposure to allergens by keeping them indoors when pollen counts are high. During allergy season, washing their clothes and sheets on a regular basis, as well as vacuuming on a regular basis, may be beneficial. There are numerous treatments available to help your child's allergies. However, even in small doses, some medications can cause side effects. Always consult your doctor before administering any over-the-counter allergy medication to your child.
CONCLUSION
The outcome of your treatment is determined by your condition. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually not severe, and it is well-managed with medications. Severe forms of this condition, on the other hand, will almost certainly necessitate long-term treatment.