▶️ Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition that causes cold-like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, and sinus pressure.
– However, unlike a cold, hay fever is not caused by a virus, but by an allergic reaction to certain substances called allergens. These allergens can be outdoor or indoor, and can vary depending on the season and the person's sensitivity.
– Some of the common causes of hay fever are:
• Pollen from trees, grasses, weeds and flowers. This is the most common cause of seasonal hay fever, which usually occurs in spring and summer. The pollen count is higher when the weather is warm, humid and windy.
• Dust mites, which are tiny insects that live in dust and bedding. They can cause year-round hay fever, especially in people who spend a lot of time indoors.
• Animal dander, which are small flakes of skin or fur shed by pets and other animals. This can also cause year-round hay fever, especially in people who have close contact with animals or live in houses that are not well ventilated.
• Molds and fungi, which are microscopic organisms that grow in damp places such as bathrooms, kitchens, basements and compost heaps. They can cause seasonal or year-round hay fever, depending on the type and amount of spores they release into the air.
• Other irritants, such as cigarette smoke, perfume, diesel exhaust and latex.
– These can trigger or worsen hay fever symptoms in some people who are already sensitive to allergens.
– There are two main types of hay fever: seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.
1). Seasonal allergic rhinitis:- Occurs only at certain times of the year, usually when the pollen count is high. The symptoms tend to be more severe and last for a shorter period of time than perennial allergic rhinitis. The most common triggers are tree pollen in early spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, and weed pollen in autumn.
2). Perennial allergic rhinitis:- occurs throughout the year, regardless of the season. The symptoms tend to be milder but more persistent than seasonal allergic rhinitis. The most common triggers are dust mites, animal dander and molds.
SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER
– According to clinical health practitioners, symptoms of hay fever vary from person to person, depending on the type and severity of the allergy.
– Some of the common symptoms are:
• Sneezing.
• Runny or blocked nose.
• Itchy or watery eyes.
• Itchy nose, throat or roof of mouth.
• Cough.
• Headache.
• Sinus pressure or pain.
• Postnasal drip (mucus that runs down the back of the throat).
• Fatigue.
• Loss of smell or taste.
– Some people may also experience complications from hay fever, such as:
• Asthma attacks or worsening of asthma symptoms.
• Ear infections or middle ear fluid (especially in children).
• Sinus infections or chronic sinusitis.
• Nasal polyps (growths in the nose that can block airflow).
• Eye infections or conjunctivitis.
• Sleep problems or snoring.
• Impaired quality of life or productivity.
PREVENTION OF HAY FEVER
– The best way to prevent hay fever is to avoid or reduce exposure to the allergens that cause it. However, this may not be possible or practical for everyone.
– Some of the general tips to prevent or minimize hay fever symptoms are:
• Wear sunglasses and a hat when you go outside to protect your eyes and face from pollen.
• Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around your nostrils to trap pollen before it enters your nose.
• Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash off any pollen that may have stuck to your skin or hair.
• Keep your windows and doors closed as much as possible during high pollen seasons. Use air conditioning or fans instead of opening windows for ventilation.
• Use a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter in your home or car to remove pollen and other allergens from the air.
• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth to reduce dust mites and animal dander in your home. Use allergy-proof covers for your mattress, pillows and duvet.
• Wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week to kill dust mites.
• Keep pets out of your bedroom and off furniture. Bathe them regularly to reduce dander.
• Avoid damp places where molds can grow, such as bathrooms, kitchens and basements. Clean these areas frequently with bleach or fungicide and use a dehumidifier if needed.
• Avoid smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, as this can irritate your nose and lungs and worsen your symptoms.
• Avoid wearing perfume or cologne, as this can trigger or aggravate your symptoms.
TREATMENT OF HAY FEVER
– There are various treatment options for hay fever that can help relieve the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The most common treatments are:
🔅 Antihistamines, which are medications that block the effect of histamine, a chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Histamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of hay fever, such as sneezing, itching and runny nose. Antihistamines can be taken as tablets, liquids, nasal sprays or eye drops. They are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Some examples are loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine and azelastine.
🔅 Nasal corticosteroids, which are medications that reduce inflammation and swelling in the nose. They can help with nasal congestion, itching and runny nose. They are usually given as nasal sprays and require a prescription. Some examples are fluticasone, budesonide, mometasone and triamcinolone.
🔅 Decongestants, which are medications that shrink the blood vessels in the nose and reduce congestion. They can be taken as tablets, liquids or nasal sprays. They are available over-the-counter or by prescription. Some examples are pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine and oxymetazoline. Decongestants should not be used for more than a few days at a time, as they can cause rebound congestion or other side effects.
🔅 Leukotriene receptor antagonists, which are medications that block the action of leukotrienes, another type of chemical released by your immune system during an allergic reaction. Leukotrienes can cause inflammation and mucus production in the nose and lungs. Leukotriene receptor antagonists can help with nasal congestion and asthma symptoms. They are usually given as tablets and require a prescription. An example is montelukast.
🔅 Cromolyn sodium, which is a medication that prevents the release of histamine and other chemicals from your immune cells. It can help with nasal itching and sneezing. It is usually given as a nasal spray and requires a prescription.
🔅 Immunotherapy,which is a treatment that involves exposing your immune system to small amounts of allergens over time to make it less sensitive to them. This can reduce or eliminate your hay fever symptoms in the long term. Immunotherapy can be given as injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy) or tablets (sublingual immunotherapy) under the supervision of an allergist or immunologist. It usually takes several months to years to complete and requires regular follow-up visits.
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