From Causes to Treatment: -The Complete Handbook on Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, causes symptoms similar to a cold. It is common to experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion and sneezing with hay fever. Hay fever can cause discomfort, make you miserable, and even affect your quality of life. This article will discuss how to manage your symptoms, avoid triggers and get the proper treatment for hay fever.

Understanding Hay Fever or  Allergic Rhinits

Definition and Overview of Hay Fever

"Is hay fever an allergy?" This is a question asked by many. The answer to this question is yes. Hay fever results from an allergic response to airborne substances like pollen. It causes symptoms like a stuffy or leaky nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching of the nose, eyes and even the roof of the mouth. Seasonal hay fever is more prevalent in the spring, summer and early fall.

Types of Hay Fever

There are typically two types of hay fever: -

• Seasonal: - This happens only during those times of the year when certain plants pollinate. For example, if you have hay fever in spring, it's probably because you are allergic to tree pollens.
• Perennial: - This type of hay fever happens throughout the year. It occurs if you are allergic to one or more allergens present indoors. These allergens could be mould, house dust mites, feathers etc.

Common Allergens that can Trigger of Hay Fever

 General hay fever triggers include: -

• Tree pollen that is generally common during early spring
• Grass pollen which is common during late spring and summers
• Ragweed pollen can trigger allergies during autumn.
• Fungal spores can trigger allergies from late March to November or even be present throughout the year.
• Mould, house dust mites, feathers, and cockroach droppings are present throughout the year.
• Animal dander (tiny flakes of skin shedding and fur by animals kike cats, dogs etc.) is generally found on pillows, bedding, upholstery and curtains. [AP1]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hay Fever

 Some common symptoms of hay fever include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Blocked or runny nose
• Red, watery or itchy eyes
• Loss of smell
• Pain around your forehead and temples
• Headache
• Earache
• Feeling tired or experiencing fatigue often due to poor sleep
• Mucus that drips down the back of your throat

You may also experience the following symptoms if you are an asthma patient: -

• Tightness in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing and cough

Differences between Hay Fever and Common Cold Symptoms

As symptoms of a hay fever allergy and the common cold are similar, it is difficult to tell which one you have. However, unlike a cold that goes away within a week or two, a Hay Fever allergy continues for weeks or months.

Some major differences

From Causes to Treatment: -The Complete Handbook on Hay Fever 

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, causes symptoms similar to a cold. It is common to experience a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion and sneezing with hay fever. Hay fever can cause discomfort, make you miserable, and even affect your quality of life. This article will discuss how to manage your symptoms, avoid triggers and get the proper treatment for hay fever allergies.

Definition and Overview of Hay Fever

"Is hay fever an allergy?" This is a question asked by many. The answer to this question is yes. Hay fever results from an allergic response to airborne substances like pollen. It causes symptoms like a stuffy or leaky nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and itching of the nose, eyes and even the roof of the mouth. Seasonal hay fever is more prevalent in the spring, summer and early fall.

Types of Hay Fever Allergens

There are typically two types of hay fever:

• Seasonal: This happens only during those times of the year when certain plants pollinate. For example, if you have hay fever in spring, it's probably because you are allergic to tree pollens.
• Perennial: This type of hay fever happens throughout the year. It occurs if you are allergic to one or more allergens present indoors. These allergens could be mould, house dust mites, feathers etc.

Common Triggers of Hay Fever

 General hay fever triggers include:

• Tree pollen that is generally common during early spring
• Grass pollen which is common during late spring and summers
• Ragweed pollen can trigger allergies during autumn.
• Fungal spores can trigger allergies from late March to November or even be present throughout the year.
• Mould, house dust mites, feathers, and cockroach droppings are present throughout the year.
• Animal dander (tiny flakes of skin shedding and fur by animals kike cats, dogs etc.) is generally found on pillows, bedding, upholstery and curtains. [AP1]

Common Signs and Symptoms of Hay Fever Allergy

 Some common symptoms of hay fever include:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Blocked or runny nose
• Red, watery or itchy eyes
• Loss of smell
• Pain around your forehead and temples
• Headache
• Earache
• Feeling tired or experiencing fatigue often due to poor sleep
• Mucus that drips down the back of your throat

You may also experience the following symptoms if you are an asthma patient: -

• Tightness in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing and cough

Differences between Hay Fever and Common Cold Symptoms

As symptoms of a hay fever allergy and the common cold are similar, it is difficult to tell which one you have. However, unlike a cold that goes away within a week or two, a Hay Fever allergy continues for weeks or months (as long as you are exposed to the allergens)

Some major differences include the following:

Complications Associated with Hay Fever

Certain complications can accompany hay fever. They include: -

• Reducing the quality of life: - Hay fever can interrupt your daily activities and can cause you to be less productive. People may even miss work or school due to their hay fever symptoms.
• Poor sleep: - Hay fever symptoms can interrupt sleep and keep you awake. This can result in fatigue and the feeling of being unwell.
• Worsening of asthma: - Hay fever can worsen asthma symptoms worse, like coughing and wheezing.
• Sinusitis: Sinus congestion for extended periods due to hay fever can make you more prone to sinusitis, an inflammation or infection of the sinuses' membranes.
• Ear Infection: - In children, hay fever can result in a middle ear infection. [AP2]

Diagnosing Hay fever: Tests and Evaluation

When to See the Doctor for Hay Fever

You must visit your doctor if: -

• You don't get any relief from your allergy hay fever symptoms.
• Allergy medications do not work or are causing unwarranted side effects.
• You already have an existing condition worsening hay fever symptoms like nasal polyps, asthma or sinus infection.

Many people seek treatment once the symptoms become severe. However, the proper treatment can offer relief.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Hay Fever Allergy

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and personal and family medical history.

 A blood or skin test can help identify which substance triggers your allergies. In this test, your skin will be pricked with minute quantities of a known allergen.

A blood test will indicate the level of IgE antibodies. A high level will confirm the presence of an allergy.

Another skin prick test will include injecting an allergen under the skin and then checking for a reaction to that allergen.

Factors that Can Affect The Accuracy of Diagnostic Tests.

Several factors have been found to interfere with the accuracy of skin prick testing for hay fever allergy allergens. These factors include the lack of standardization, the colour of the skin, the skin's reactivity on the day of testing, and the potency and stability of reagents.[AP1]

Treatment Approaches for Managing Hay Fever

Medications for Hay Fever

Various over-the-counter drugs can help manage hay fever symptoms. Sometimes you may need to try a combination of 2 or 3. Consult your doctor for recommendations.

Common medications include: -

• Antihistamine sprays or tablets: - These medications stop the release of the chemical histamine. They effectively alleviate symptoms like a runny nose, itching and sneezing. However, they cannot unblock congested sinuses. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
• Eye drops: - Eye drops often contain cromoglycate and are used to reduce itching and swelling of the eyes.
• Nasal corticosteroids: - These sprays help treat inflammation caused by hay fever, reducing congestion, runny nose, sneezing etc. 
• Oral corticosteroids: - Severe hay fever symptoms can be treated with prednisone tablets. These are prescribed by the doctor and are beneficial for short-term use. Long-term use can cause side effects.[AP1]

 [AP1]Reference:-Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): Symptoms, causes, and treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)

Allergy Shots or Immunotherapy for Hay Fever

Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief by gradually desensitizing the immune system to the allergens that trigger symptoms. They are given as allergy shots or sublingual drops to people with severe symptoms who have not gotten relief from other treatments.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes for Hay Fever Allergy Relief

It is impossible to avoid the allergens entirely, but you can reduce the extent of your exposure to these substances. If you know what allergens causes you your allergy to hay fever, you can stay away from them.

Depending on your allergen, you can follow the given tips: -

Pollen or Mold

• Stay indoors during the pollen season.
• Avoid hanging laundry outside.
• Try to use air conditioning in the car or house
• Restrict activities during early mornings and high pollen count days.
• Make use of an allergy-grade filter in your home ventilation system.
• Wear masks while cleaning or gardening.

Dust mites

• You can try using allergy-proof covers, mattresses, and pillows
• Wash blankets, sheets, stuffed toys etc., at least once a week
• Use a dehumidifier to bring down indoor humidity
• Vacuum carpets regularly, or remove them entirely if you are sensitive to dust mites.

Cockroaches

• Block cracks and crevices to keep cockroaches away
• Consider professional pest control
• Keep the house clean, empty garbage daily, wash dishes and wipe down kitchen counters and floors regularly.

Pet Dander

 Keep pets out of your bedroom and furniture if possible. Bathe your dog twice weekly and wash your hands and clothes after handling your pet.

Tips for Avoiding Hay Fever Triggers.

• Put Vaseline around your nose to help trap pollen
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to prevent pollen from entering your eyes.
• Shower and change your clothes after you have been exposed to allergens like pollen or animal dander
• Stay indoors as much as you can.
• Keep doors and windows shut whenever possible
• Vacuum and dust regularly
• Invest in a pollen filter for your car and a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter.

Preparing for Hay Fever Season

Consult your doctor to know what your triggers are. For any treatment to work, it needs to start at least three months before the hay fever season begins. You can stock up on your medications to avoid frequent trips to the pharmacist during this season.

Coping with Hay Fever Allergy Allergens  During the Peak Pollen Season

Continued treatment with medications has effectively reduced symptoms, enhanced immunity to the allergen and improved quality of life. Three years of therapy has shown long-term de-sensitization to pollen. Other ways to cope are by: -

• Staying indoors during high pollen count days or whenever possible
• Avoid walking on grass
• Avoid keeping fresh flowers in the house
• Do not smoke or stay away from people who smoke, as it could aggravate the symptoms.
• Do not let pets inside the house, as they could bring pollen.

Final Thoughts on Coping with Hay Fever

Hay fever is common among children; however, they rarely develop it before three years of age. It's essential to treat and manage hay fever allergy symptoms, especially in infants and children, as severe hay fever symptoms can develop into other chronic health conditions like asthma, sinusitis, etc. It is best to consult a doctor if you are not getting relief from over-the-counter medications. [AP1]

 Kindly check the numbering in headings.

 [AP1]Reference:-Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): Symptoms, causes, and treatment (medicalnewstoday.com)

 [AP1]References:- Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis): Causes of Seasonal Allergies (webmd.com)

 [AP2]Refernce:-Hay fever - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

 [AP1]Refernce:-Diagnostic accuracy of skin-prick testing for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC (nih.gov)