Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) and Allergy Symptoms

Rhinitis causes cold-like symptoms, which may affect the eyes, nose, and even the skin for some. It isn't a virus, more so an allergic response to outdoor or indoor substances the body may identify as harmful/allergen. It affects 1 in 5 people in Australia.

Common Allergy Symptoms

Some rare symptoms include daytime tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and concentrating. A reduced sense of smell or recurring ear infections in children.

What Causes Hay-Fever?

This happens when the body comes in contact with an allergen, which releases histamine, which causes the symptoms. There are two types of allergies, seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergies are usually caused by allergens such as pollen. This can be grass pollen, weeds, or tree pollen. Pollen season is in the spring and summer months.

Perennial allergies are reactions that occur at all times of the year and happen in response to indoor dust mites and pet hair. Further causes can be fungus, mould, air pollutants and latex.

What Are The Trigger Factors of Hay-Fever?

Individuals can develop rhinitis if there is a history of allergies in the family, or if people have asthma or eczema, the risk of rhinitis increases. External factors such as cigarette smoke, chemicals, cold temperatures, perfumes, and fumes can trigger or worsen the condition.

To have a good quality of life, it is important to seek a proper diagnosis to get proper treatment. This is done through allergy testing, which is a skin prick test. The doctor places substances on the skin to see which one the body reacts to, and usually, the offending substance leaves a small red bump.

A blood test is another common test to measure the amount of antibodies to particular allergens found in the blood.

The aim of treatment is to relieve symptoms through medications, home remedies, or complementary medicines.

Antihistamines for Hay-Fever

Antihistamines are the most common way to treat allergies and are easily accessible over the counter. Some common ones are claratyne, zyrtec, and telfast. These medications are safe to use regularly, but are not effective for everyone. Side effects for antihistamines include drowsiness, headache, anxiety, and insomnia.

Decongestants for Hay-Fever

Individuals can use a decongestant for a short period of time, usually for 3 days, to relieve a stuffy nose; however, long-term use of them can cause a rebound effect. People with high blood pressure and heart disease should exercise caution before using these decongestants.

Eye Drops and Nasal Sprays for Hay-Fever

As a short-term use, eye drops and nasal sprays can help relieve itchiness and other allergy-related symptoms. Like decongestants, overusing these eye drops or nasal drops/spray can cause a rebound effect.

If the symptoms are not managed by over-the-counter nasal sprays and drops, the doctor may consider prescribing intranasal corticosteroids. These are used as long-term treatment to manage the symptoms.

Immunotherapy for Hay-Fever

The doctor may prescribe allergy shots in the case of severe allergies. The shots decrease the immune response to particular allergens and need to be taken as a long-term treatment. These can be used in combination with other medicines, especially during the initial phase. However, the maintenance phase can take 3-6 months, so getting the shots before the season is important. Possible side effects can include itching in the mouth, and rare cases, can cause allergic reactions like anaphylaxis.

Home Remedies and Complementary Medicines for Hay-Fever

Using an air conditioner instead of windows can help limit pollen from entering the home. Additionally, a dehumidifier or a HEPA filter can help control the allergies indoors.

Individuals can try a nasal saline cleanse, acupuncture, and other supplements like honey and probiotics.

There is no cure or way to avoid getting hayfever. To further limit the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, it is essential to minimise the exposure to allergens.

Avoid Pollen

It is important to monitor pollen rises in the weather reports and to remain indoors on those particularly windy and thunderstorm days. Furthermore, outdoor activities should be limited in high pollen seasons. It could help to dry bedding and clothing indoors or in a dryer to avoid pollen entering the home. Individuals could try wearing sunglasses to reduce the pollen reaching their eyes.

Avoid Pets and Mould

In a specific hay fever season, and if allergies worsen with pet hair, it is important to keep pets out of the bedroom area and mostly outside if possible. Furthermore, all visible mould should be cleaned using bleach or mould cleaners. Adequate ventilation and exhaust fans should be used to minimise the growth of mould.

Avoid House Dust Mites

In order to avoid dust mites, sheets, pillowcases, and bedding should be washed weekly in a hot water cycle. The original bedding should be covered by dust mite-resistant covers. It is best to avoid woolen or soft toys on the bed.

If you experience allergic rhinitis and need some medical guidance, seeking a consult with a doctor would be a great starting point. The doctor can help narrow down the trigger and correctly diagnose the condition before recommending treatment.

It is also important to talk to a doctor if over-the-counter medications are not providing relief for the symptoms or the medications are causing bothersome side effects. A thorough consultation with a healthcare professional will ensure that the right treatment is given for your symptoms.