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Article by: Syeda Nafisa
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, includes nose inflammation which occurs due to an allergic reaction against certain substances (allergens) from the environment. When a person comes in contact with these allergens, their body releases a chemical called histamine which is in charge of causing the allergic reaction.
Individuals are more likely to have hay fever if they have asthma, eczema or direct family that have allergies. Hay fever is different from the common cold as it isn't contagious. However, it is pretty prevalent as it can affect around 1 in 5 people during their lifetime. Therefore, this article will discuss its symptoms, triggers and potential treatments to educate the public.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hay fever mainly affect the nose but can act on the eyes, skin or mouth as well. Nasal congestion, watery and red eyes, sneezing, itchy nose, throat and eyes, headaches, fatigue are some examples. The symptoms of hay fever and the common cold might be similar but itchy, red and watery eyes are more unique to hay fever. Furthermore, a common cold is more prone to cause a fever or muscle aches than hay fever.
Triggers
Some of the common triggers (allergens) include:
grass, weeds and tree pollens
moulds and fungal spores
cockroach droppings
air pollutants
animal fur
dust mites
Effective Treatments
decrease exposure to the triggers, by wearing a mask and/or sunglasses when going outside.
nasal irrigation or use nasal sprays.
take medicines such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve symptoms.
Use of allergy-specific immunotherapy which would reduce the body's response to allergens This long-term treatment would require the expertise of a clinical immunologist.
To conclude, all the treatments mentioned can help alleviate discomfort but if they don't and your symptoms keep on worsening, it is best to go see a healthcare professional as you might have another condition such as asthma or an infection.
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