Hey fever

 

Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. Pollen, pet dander, fungi, and insects can lead to the symptoms of hay fever. What is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergy to small particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergies through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Several Indoor and outdoor diseases cause hay fever. Common causes include dust mites, fungi, pet dander, and pollen from trees and plants. Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, and itching of the nose, throat, mouth, and eyes. Allergic rhinitis is not the same as infectious rhinitis, also known as the common cold. Hay fever is not contagious. When do people usually get hay fever? You can have hay fever at any time of the year. Occasional allergies occur in spring, summer, and early autumn when trees and weeds bloom and pollen levels are high. Perennial allergies can occur all year round. They are caused by constant irritants, such as pet dander, cockroaches, and dust worms. How common is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? Hay fever is very common. In the United States, about 15 to 20 percent of people have allergic rhinitis. Millions of children and adults have hay fever every year. Who can get allergic rhinitis? Allergies are inherited (passed on to families). You may have hay fever if you have a parent or family member with allergies. People with asthma or eczema are more likely to develop hay fever.

What causes allergic rhinitis (hay fever)? Allergic rhinitis occurs when your immune system reacts to an irritating substance in the air. Irritants (allergens) are so small that you can easily inhale them through the nose or mouth. Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system thinks the allergen is invading. The immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. The main chemical is called histamine. It causes mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, and throat to become swollen and itchy as it works to remove the allergen. Occasional and chronic allergies can be caused by several allergies, including Dust worms that live on mats, drapes, bedding, and furniture. Pollen of trees, grass, and weeds. Pet dander (small flakes of dead skin). Mold seeds. Cockroaches, including saliva and their waste. Anorexia can cause inflammation in the nose and throat. If you think you are allergic to certain foods, get medical help right away. Food allergies can be dangerous to health. What are the symptoms of allergenic rhinitis (hay fever)? Symptoms of hay fever can appear all year round. External allergies are worse in spring, summer, and early autumn. In warmer climates, weeds and flowers bloom, and pollen increases. Indoor allergies, such as those caused by pet dander and dust worms, can be worse in winter because people spend more time indoors. Symptoms of hay fever include Nasal congestion (congestion), sneezing, and runny nose. Itchy nose, throat, and eyes. Headache, sinus pain, and dark circles under the eyes. Increased mucus in the nose and throat. Fatigue and malaise (a common feeling of discomfort). Throat pain from the mucous membranes down the throat (postnasal drip). Breathing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

How is hay fever diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine you, ask you about your symptoms and check for other conditions, such as the flu or asthma. To test your immune system for certain allergies, your provider may take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for testing. This blood test is called an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. It can detect all kinds of allergies and things, including eating disorders. Your provider may recommend skin tests to determine which allergies are causing your symptoms. What is a skin test? This routine test is painless and accurate, though it may be a little uncomfortable. Your provider puts a small sample of allergies on your skin (usually on your arm or back) and scratches or pierces the skin with a needle. Scratching the skin allows the allergen to penetrate underground. If you are allergic to the allergen, the area will become red, itchy, and irritated for 15 to 30 minutes. You may have raised welts, such as a hive called wheal that indicates allergies. Skin piercing tests are a safe, effective way to determine which allergies are causing your symptoms.

How is allergic rhinitis (hay fever) treated? Several allergy medications can improve the symptoms and help you to cope with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including fluids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays, and injections. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, especially if you are pregnant or have other health concerns. Your provider may suggest: Antihistamines are available over the counter or the counter. They work by blocking the histamine secreted by your body during an allergy. Antihistamines come in the form of pills, ointments, eye drops, nasal sprays, and inhalers. They include Loratadine (Claritin®), Cetirizine (Zyrtec®), Fexofenadine (Allegra®), Levocetirizine (Xyzal®). Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol while taking antihistamines, especially if you are going to drive. Decongestants: These drugs relieve congestion in the nose and nose. You can take decongestants orally (with a pill or liquid) or use a nasal spray. They include Afrin® nasal spray, Phenylephrine nasal spray (Neo-Synephrine®), and Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®). Decongestants can increase blood pressure and cause headaches, trouble sleeping, and irritability. Crystalline decongestants can be addictive if used for more than five days. Make sure you talk to your provider before taking them. Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These nasal sprays reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hay fever. The most common nasal sprays are Flonase®, Nasacort®, and Rhinocort®. Side effects include headaches, runny nose, bleeding, and coughing. Leukotriene inhibitors: During allergies, the body releases leukotriene, histamine, and other chemicals that cause inflammation and symptoms of hay fever. Available only with a prescription, these pills block leukotriene. The most common leukotriene inhibitor is montelukast (Singulair®). Some people experience mood swings, nightmares, spontaneous muscle movements, and skin rashes while taking this medication. Immunotherapy: This treatment works by helping your body learn to tolerate allergies. Your provider may give you a series of injections (food allergies) with a small amount of allergen. Every time you get a gun, your provider increases the amount of allergen. Over time, your immune system starts to become allergic to the allergen and stops responding to it. Your provider may recommend immunotherapy in the form of a pill that you place under your tongue.

Can I prevent hay fever? There is no prescriptive drug that will stop the flow of emotions, though their effects can be curtailed. You can relieve the symptoms of hay fever by avoiding irritation as much as possible. To reduce symptoms, you should: Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose. Close your home and car windows in spring, summer, and early autumn when pollen levels are high. Insert pillows, mattresses, and box springs into the dust worm cover. Keep pets out of sofas and beds, and close doors to bedrooms that you do not want to enter. Apply filters to your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the number of airborne contaminants. Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when you are outside. Change your clothes as soon as you get home. What is the view of people with hay fever? Hay fever can make you feel sad, but it does not cause serious health problems. Many people with hay fever treat symptoms by changing their lifestyle and over-the-counter medications. People with allergies are at greater risk of developing ear infections and sinus infections. Because hay fever can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep, you may feel tired during the day. If you have asthma, hay fever can make your asthma symptoms worse. When should I see my healthcare provider about hay fever? Although hay fever does not cause major health problems, you should see your provider rule out other conditions, such as asthma. Take care if hay fever symptoms disrupt your daily life or make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Your provider can help you identify allergic reactions and recommend treatment options that will help you feel better.

Samina Zaheer (Health Tips, Health Care).