Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) | Symptoms | Causes | How to Avoid It

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Allergic Rhinitis

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages, which can cause sneezing and nasal congestion. It's most common in people who have seasonal allergies and occurs during the pollen season. In addition to sneezing and runny nose symptoms, allergic rhinitis can cause itching and redness of the eyes (uvea).

What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis is a condition that affects the nose. It's also known as hay fever, and it occurs when you have an allergic reaction to something you're exposed to on a regular basis.

Allergic rhinitis can cause sneezing, an itchy nose, and runny eyes (a condition called conjunctivitis). You might also notice that your throat feels scratchy when you breathe in too deeply or swallow saliva in the morning after eating anything with an allergen in it (e.g., peanuts).

Seasonal allergies are sometimes called "hay fever" or seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal Allergy

Seasonal allergies are common in late spring and summer. They are generally caused by an airborne allergen, pollen, grass, mold, and animal dander. 

Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

• Sneezing
• An itchy nose
• A runny or blocked nose
• Stuffy nose
• Itchy, red, and watery eyes
• A cough
• Scratchy throat
• The roof of your mouth is itchy
• Headache

Causes Of Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is caused by an allergic reaction.

Common allergies include:

• Pollen from trees, grass, and weeds (hay fever)
• House dust mites
• Animals such as dogs and cats
• Mould
• Wood dust, flour dust, and latex

You're more likely to get an allergy if people in your family also have them or conditions such as eczema and asthma.

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Treatment For Allergic Rhinitis

• Avoid triggers: The first step to treating seasonal allergies is identifying the trigger. If you can identify the cause of your symptoms, you'll be able to avoid them and reduce your risk of future flare-ups.
• Take medicines: There are several options for managing seasonal allergy symptoms, including antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays (which often come as a combination product). Intranasal corticosteroids like Flovent may also help some people who have severe attacks of rhinitis.
• Use self-care methods: Some people find that using a humidifier or saline inhaler helps relieve their symptoms.
• Use intranasal corticosteroids (ICS): ICS is commonly used in patients with moderate to severe nasal congestion due to allergic rhinitis, but they're not always effective at controlling sneezing due to their short duration of action; therefore they should be combined with other medications if possible.
• Use leukotriene modulators: Leukotriene modulators prevent the release of histamine from mast cells by blocking receptors on cells called basophils that normally produce these compounds.
• Use cromolyn sodium/Nedocromil Na/Flunisolide/Nafarelin

When left untreated, allergic rhinitis often becomes chronic and may lead to complications including Chronic nasal inflammation and obstruction, which can lead to more serious complications in the airways. Acute or chronic sinusitis. Otitis media, or ear infection.

How To Avoid Allergic Rhinitis?

If you want to prevent allergic rhinitis, it is important that you stay away from environmental factors that trigger your allergies. These include:

• Avoid irritants such as cigarette smoke and perfumes.
• Keep your home clean so that dust mites don't build up in the carpet or furniture.
• Avoiding spicy food and dairy products because they may make symptoms worse if eaten on an ongoing basis; however, if you are eating them just once a week, this will not increase the risk of developing allergy symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes/nose/mouth (commonly referred to as hay fever). 
• If you have a pollen allergy, it is best to avoid going outside on windy days when the pollen count is high. This means wearing a mask and sunglasses when you go out.

If you do have symptoms, it is important to see your doctor. He or she will be able to diagnose an allergic reaction and recommend ways of managing it.

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Prevention Strategies 

You can treat and prevent allergic rhinitis by avoiding triggers, taking medicines, and using self-care methods.

Avoiding Triggers

The main cause of allergic rhinitis is exposure to allergens (poisonous substances). These allergens may be present in your home or work environment or in the items that you use on a daily basis such as socks and clothes. If possible, avoid these items altogether until you have been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis by a doctor.

Taking Medicines

Medicines are available to help relieve symptoms of allergic rhinitis if they are taken regularly at prescribed doses for the right length of time. The recommended treatment schedule will depend on your age group; however, some people may need to take their medication twice daily while others only need it once per day depending on their symptoms at any given time during their treatment plan!

Self Care

A nasal wash can help remove mucus from your nose for mild allergic rhinitis. You can buy a saline spray at a pharmacy or make one at home. To make a nasal wash at home, use 1 cup (240 milliliters) of acquired distilled water, 1/2 a teaspoon (2.5 grams) of salt, and a pinch of baking soda.

For Parents

If you are a parent, it is important that you follow the recommended treatment schedule for your child. This will help ensure that they are not suffering any long-term effects from their allergies such as poor lung growth or development.

How Long Does Rhinitis Allergy Last?

Allergic rhinitis symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Cold and flu symptoms generally last 3 to 14 days. The nasal discharge in allergic rhinitis is usually clear. In colds or flu, it is more likely to be discolored (yellow.)

Conclusion

If you believe that you have allergic rhinitis, it’s important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and provide treatment options for seasonal allergies. If you are suffering from allergic rhinitis, it’s important to see a doctor if your symptoms get worse or become more severe. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and provide treatment options for seasonal allergies.