Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is considered to be an allergic reaction to a substance that causes you to experience different symptoms, such as an itchy nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing, etc. These can be only nose allergies, but they might also negatively influence your overall well-being.
For people who suffer from this type of allergy, it is essential to know that they can schedule consultation sessions in institutes such as the Allergy and Immunology Center and get counseling and guidance from trained professionals at these centers. You must know your trigger to get a proper diagnosis and a helpful treatment plan.
What Is Hay Fever?
The words hay fever or allergic rhinitis do not tell you much. Today, we wanted to explain in more detail what hay fever is, how it manifests, and what allergic rhinitis symptoms are and offer some potential tactics to help manage the allergy symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis is, as mentioned, an allergic reaction to a particle in the air. These particles are called allergens, and when we breathe in the allergens through our mouth or nose, our bodies release a chemical called histamine, which is natural and signals that something is not right. There are several allergens, which can be found both indoors and outdoors, which cause hay fever, and the most common are:
- Dust mites
- Mold
- Pollen from plants and trees
- Pet dander
- Food items
As opposed to the common cold or rhinitis infection, hay fever is not contagious, and there are some differences between the symptoms. Seasonal allergies develop in the spring, summer, and very early fall because, during this time, flowers, weeds, and trees bloom, and pollen is much more present. Some other types of allergens are present throughout the year, such as those causing perennial allergies.
Allergic rhinitis is a widespread condition, and in the U.S., around 20% of the population suffers from some type of hay fever. Millions suffer from allergic rhinitis symptoms yearly so this article will clarify certain aspects of the condition.
These types of allergies are primarily hereditary, so it is much more likely that you will suffer from hay fever if your parents or family members have allergies. When it comes to conditions triggering allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema can be risk factors for this type of allergy.
Causes of Allergic Rhinitis
When your body and the immune system showcase a reaction to an irritant from the air, this means that you might be suffering from allergic rhinitis. The allergens in question are very tiny, and inhaling them through the nose and mouth is relatively easy.
Most people are resistant to allergens, so they are considered harmless. Still, if you are diagnosed with hay fever, your immune system will try to protect you at all costs by releasing histamine into the bloodstream and causing different bodily reactions.
The release of histamine in the body causes mucous membranes in our eyes, nose, and throat to get inflamed, and you will start to feel itchy because the membranes are working on ejecting the inhaled allergen.
As previously stated, allergies can be both seasonal and perennial, and they can result from many different allergens found in various places. So, for instance, you can find dust mites in carpets, bedding, drapes, etc., while pollen can be found in multiple plants and trees. Mold spores, cockroaches, waste, and saliva can also cause hay fever.
Other types of allergens are pretty common, including particles derived from food. Still, food allergies can be life-threatening, so be careful and contact your doctor immediately if you start noticing an allergic reaction to something you ate.
Hay Fever Symptoms
When it comes to symptoms, they can be present all throughout the year, although outdoor allergens are worse during spring and early fall because everything blooms in hotter weather. Indoor allergies, on the other hand, are present all year long, including dust mites and pet dander, which tend to worsen during winter because we all spend more time inside.
The most common hay fever symptoms include:
- Congestion (nasal stuffiness)
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Itchy nose
- Itchy eyes and throat
- Increase in the amount of mucus in the throat and nose
- Headaches
- Pain in the sinuses
- Darker circles under the eyes
- Exhaustion
- Feeling uncomfortable
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Issues with breathing
- Wheels on the skin (hive-like welts)
Diagnosing Allergic Rhinitis
There are several ways to diagnose this condition, but most often, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your chosen medical provider. You will be able to discuss your symptoms and medical history with them, and they will take a blood sample to send for testing to measure the antibodies concerning certain allergens.
The blood test mentioned is called an IgE test or an immunoglobulin test, and it can discover different types of allergens, including food. Another common test is a skin prick test, which detects which allergens are causing the existing symptoms. This test is painless and accurate, although it might be uncomfortable. A sample of the allergen is placed on the skin, and the doctor waits for the body’s reaction. If the area is red, irritated, and itchy in the next 30 minutes, this means you are allergic to the applied allergen.
Please do not do this test at home alone because it needs to be controlled by a trained professional, so schedule testing at your provider’s office.
Treatment Options
Different allergy medications can help with the existing symptoms and make your life easier. There are various pills, nasal sprays, drops, injections, etc., which can be used, but speak to your doctor first, and let them give you more details and recommendations.
You might be recommended to take one of the following:
- Antihistamines (pills, eye drops, sprays, inhalers, or liquids)
- Decongestants (pills, liquid, nasal spray)
- Nasal sprays containing corticosteroids (sprays, inhalers)
- Leukotriene inhibitors (medications)
- Immunotherapy (injections or allergy shots, pills)
Prevention
Unfortunately, we cannot prevent hay fever. There are some changes in your lifestyle that you can apply to lower the impact of the symptoms and avoid irritation. These include closing your windows when pollen is high, cleaning your carpets, bedding, etc. regularly, keeping pets off the couches and beds, using filters in the vacuum cleaner and air conditioner, washing your hands often, and similar.
Contact Us!
Let us help you battle your allergies. Call our center and ensure you know all your options for living with allergic rhinitis. Your symptoms do not have to be so severe, so schedule an appointment right now!