Sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and a sore throat are symptoms of allergic rhinitis, often known as hay fever. Insects, mold, pet dander, and pollen all cause hay fever symptoms. Hay fever may make you feel terrible, but you can get relief from it by making adjustments to your lifestyle, using allergy drugs, and getting immunotherapy (allergy needles).
OVERVIEW
What is hay fever (allergic rhinitis)?
An allergic response to microscopic airborne particles known as allergens causes allergic rhinitis (hay fever). Histamine, a naturally occurring substance, is released by your body in response to inhaling allergens via your mouth or nose. Hay fever is brought on by several indoor and outdoor allergens. Dust mites, mold, pet dander, and plant and tree pollen are typical culprits.
Sneezing, nasal congestion, and irritation of the mouth, nose, throat, and eyes are all signs of hay fever. Infectious rhinitis, often known as the common cold, is not the same as allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is not spread by others.
When does hay fever often strike?
Hay fever may strike at any time of the year. In the spring, summer, and early autumn, when weeds and trees blossom and pollen concentrations are at their highest, seasonal allergies manifest. Seasonal allergies are a possibility. They are brought on by common irritants including pet dander, cockroaches, and dust mites.
How often is hay fever (allergic rhinitis)?
Hay fever is quite prevalent. About 15% to 20% of people in the US suffer from allergic rhinitis. Each year, millions of children and adults suffer from hay fever.
Who is susceptible to allergic rhinitis?
It is genetically predisposed to have allergies. If a parent or other family member suffers from allergies, your chances of developing hay fever increase. Hay fever is more common in those with eczema or asthma.
SIGNIFICANCE AND CAUSES
What results in hay fever and allergic rhinitis?
When your body’s immune system responds to an allergen in the air, allergic rhinitis develops. You may readily breathe in the irritants (allergens) via your mouth or nose since they are so little.
Most individuals are not harmed by allergens. In contrast, hay fever causes your immune system to believe that the allergen is invading. The immune system sends organic substances into your circulation in an effort to defend your body. Histamine is the primary chemical. As they attempt to expel the allergen, the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, and throat swell up and become irritating.
Numerous allergens, such as the following, may cause seasonal and year-round allergies:
- Dust mites that reside in furniture, beds, draperies, and carpets.
- Tree, grass, and weed pollen.
- Pet dander, or very little skin flakes.
- spores of mold.
- Cockroaches, together with their excrement and saliva.
The nose and throat might become inflamed as a result of food allergies. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you are experiencing an allergic response to anything you ate. Food allergies may even endanger life.
What are the signs and symptoms of hay fever (allergic rhinitis)?
The signs of hay fever may emerge at any time of the year. Spring, summer, and early autumn are the worst seasons for outdoor allergens. Pollen counts rise in warm weather as weeds and flowers flourish. Because individuals spend more time indoors during the winter, indoor allergies, such as those brought on by pet dander and dust mites, may worsen.
Hay fever signs and symptoms include:
- Congestion in the nose, sneezing, and runny nose.
- eyes, throat, and nose itch.
- Headaches, nasal discomfort, and under-eye bags.
- Mucous production in the throat and nose.
- Fatigue and malaise (a general uneasy sensation).
- A sore throat brought on by postnasal drip, or mucous pouring down the throat.
- Breathing difficulties, coughing, and wheezing.
TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS
Just how is hay fever identified?
Your medical professional will examine you, enquire about your symptoms, and check you for any other ailments like a cold or asthma. Your doctor could take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for testing in order to analyze your antibodies to certain allergens. The immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is the name of this blood examination. Allergies of every kind, including food allergies, are detectable.
To identify the allergens causing your symptoms, your doctor may advise a skin prick test.
Skin prick test
Although it could be a bit painful, this frequent test is painless and reliable. Your healthcare professional applies a little amount of various allergens to your skin (often on your forearm or back) and prickes or scratches the area with a needle. The allergen is able to penetrate the skin’s surface when it is scratched.
In 15 to 30 minutes, the region will get red, itchy, and irritated if you are allergic to the allergen. Wheals, which resemble elevated hives, may appear as an allergic response. The safest, most reliable approach to identify the allergens causing your symptoms is to do a skin prick test.
CONTROL AND TREATMENT
How is hay fever (allergic rhinitis) treated?
Many allergy drugs may reduce symptoms and make living with hay fever easier. These medications may be taken as liquids, tablets, eye drops, nasal sprays, or injections, among other delivery methods. Before taking any drug, particularly if you’re pregnant or have other health issues, see your doctor. Your provider could advise:
Antihistamines: Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamine medicines are readily accessible. They function by preventing your body from releasing histamine in response to an allergic reaction. Pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays, and inhalers are all forms of antihistamines. They consist of:
- Claritin® (loratadine).
- Zyrtec® contains cetirizine.
- Allegra® contains fexofenadine.
- Xyzal® (levocetirizine).
Antihistamines may make you feel sleepy. When taking antihistamines, stay away from alcohol, particularly if you plan to drive.
Decongestants: These drugs help to clear sinus and nasal congestion. Decongestants may be ingested orally (as pills or liquids) or applied topically through a nasal spray. They consist of:
- Nasal spray Afrin®.
- Nasal spray phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine®).
- Sudafed® (pseudoephedrine).
Decongestants may raise blood pressure, bring on headaches, make it difficult to fall asleep, and make you irritable. When taken for more than five days, nasal decongestants may become addicted. Before taking these, be sure to see your doctor.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays and inhalers: These products lessen swelling and treat hay fever symptoms. The three most popular nasal sprays are Rhinocort®, Nasacort®, and Flonase®. Headaches, nasal irritability, nosebleeds, and cough are a few of the side effects.
Leukotriene inhibitors: The body produces histamines, leukotriene, and other substances after an allergic response, which lead to inflammation and hay fever symptoms. These prescription-only medications stop leukotriene. Montelukast (Singulair®), the most popular leukotriene inhibitor, is used. When using this drug, some patients report mood swings, vivid nightmares, uncontrollable muscle movements, and skin rashes.
Immunotherapy: This therapy helps your body develop a tolerance to allergens. You get a series of injections (allergy shots) from your doctor that contain a little quantity of the allergen. The allergen dose is increase by your doctor with each injection. Your immune system becomes immune to the allergen over time and ceases reacting to it.
Immunotherapy may be prescribe as a tablet to be taken sublingually by your doctor.
PREVENTION
Can hay fever be prevent?
Hay fever cannot be prevent, but you may manage your allergies with a change in your way of life. By minimizing your exposure to irritants, you may reduce the symptoms of hay fever. To lessen symptoms, you want to:
- Do not rub your eyes or nose or touch your face in any way.
- When pollen levels are greater in the spring, summer, and early autumn, shut the windows in your house and automobile.
- Dust mite coverings should be place over pillows, mattresses, and box springs.
- Pets should not be allow on sofas or beds, and doors to bedrooms should be close.
- To cut down on allergens in the air, use filters on your vacuum and air conditioner.
- Wash your hands often, particularly after interacting with animals.
- When you’re outdoors, wear a hat and sunglasses to shield your eyes from pollen. As soon as you enter the house, change into clean clothing.
PERSPECTIVE / PROGNOSIS
What is the prognosis for those who suffer from hay fever?
Hay fever might make you feel awful, but it doesn’t have a significant negative impact on your health. The majority of hay fever sufferers control their symptoms with dietary adjustments and over-the-counter drugs.
Ear and sinus infections are more common in those with airborne allergies. You can experience daytime fatigue if you struggle to sleep well due to hay fever. If you already have asthma, hay fever may exacerbate your symptoms.
When should I schedule a hay fever appointment with my doctor?
Even while hay fever seldom results in major health issues, you should still see your doctor to rule out other illnesses like asthma. Consult a doctor if your hay fever symptoms are interfering with your everyday activities or making it difficult for you to fall asleep. Your healthcare professional may suggest remedies to make you feel better as well as assist you in identifying the allergens that are triggering a response.