How to live with Hay fever

Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis, which is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose caused by pollen introduction. Because in this body's immune system is overly sensitive to allergens, it releases certain chemicals like histamine. There are two types of allergic reactions that people often experience: seasonal and perennial (throughout the year).

Hay fever is caused by a reaction to a variety of allergens (triggers), including:

·      Pollen from trees (common in spring)

·      Pollen from grass (spring and summer)

·      Weed pollen is abundant in the fall.

·      Pet dander, dust mites, and cockroaches (winter)

·      Fungi and mould spores found both outside and inside might aggravate hay fever symptoms.

 

pollen acts as a mjor trigger

 

Symptoms of hay fever

 

This disease has several symptoms, which can affect your daily chores and quality of life.

·      Frequent sneezing

·      Runny nose with watery secretions or blocked nose

·      Nasal congestion

·      Post-nasal drip

·      Breathing difficulty, which may worsen in pre-existing conditions like asthma and eczema (atopic dermatitis)

·      Itchy nose, eyes and itchy palate

·      Skin hives and frontal headaches are two less prevalent hay fever symptoms.

·      Tiredness and lack of energy

Frequent sneezing

Most people believe they have a cold; nevertheless, there are some significant differences between the two diseases.

·      Influenza is caused by a viral illness that is easily spread from person to person.

·      Hay fever, on the other hand, is not communicable.

·      In the flu, nasal secretions are thick, while in hay fever they are watery.

·      A cold might last for a week or more. Hay fever affects sufferers for several weeks or sometimes the entire year.

 

 

Diagnosis of hay fever

 

After detailing the aforementioned symptoms, your pharmacist will be able to quickly diagnose hay fever. To confirm your diagnosis, your medical practitioner may also refer you to an immunologist sometimes for a skin prick test. He will place pollen allergen to the skin of your arm and prick the skin surface with a needle during this test. This will assist in introducing the allergen to your mast cells (particular immune cells), which will then produce a cutaneous reaction if you are allergic to that allergen. Certain circumstances, for example, can make this reaction unnoticeable.

Skin prick test

 

·      Your complexion is dark.

·      You already have atopic dermatitis (eczema), which manifests itself as angry red patchy skin.

Blood test is performed to check the raised antibodies in the affected individual.

 

Treatment of Hay fever

 

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for hay fever. Your pharmacist frequently prescribes antihistamines to treat this problem. However, in these circumstances, you should see your doctor.

·      Your symptoms are persistent.

·      If you are having another atopic condition like asthma or sinusitis, seek medical attention

·      You are pregnant as hay fever gets worsen in pregnant women or you are breast-feeding mother.

·      Your symptoms are showing unusual pattern like occurring at your work place.it is recommended to see a doctor as some other factors are involved in developing your condition.

 

Another option of treatment is leukotriene inhibitors (monteleukast). In fact, when you are exposed to an environmental irritant such as dust mites or pollen. There are some specific substances produced in the body like histamine and leukotriene. These medications inhibit the production of leukotriene and so relieve your symptoms.

 

 Nasal decongestants are also available, which minimise blood vessel inflammation of nasal cavity and opens nasal passage. There are nasal drops and sprays available.

 

Your doctor can prescribe you corticosteroid nasal sprays that contain betamethasone and fluticasone. Steroid nasal drops are more powerful than nasal sprays and should not be used for more than three to four weeks. Moreover, your health provider can prescribe your corticosteroid tablets in an emergency situation such as you are having an upcoming exams.

Topical steroid nasal spray

 

 

To treat allergic conjunctivitis caused by hay fever, eye drops containing 2% sodium cromoglycate are effective and readily accessible over the counter.

 

 Immunotherapy is another treatment available in which small amount of allergen is introduced in the body. This transferred amount will be increased over the time until person gets immune to it and show less frequent symptoms. But this treatment takes long time like for three years or more.

 

immunotherapy

 

 

An allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis could occur as a result of an allergen exposure. To save the patient’s life in an emergency department, an immediate medical intervention is required.

 

Preventing measures

 

 Certain tips are suggested to help you avoid developing this illness.

 

·      Keep a watch on the pollen forecast, which is a specific broadcasting programme dedicated to predicting pollen levels.

 

·      Keep you up to date on the current pollen count. Avoid going outside if the pollen count is more than 60 grains per cubic metre.

 

·      Keep your eyes protected by wearing a protective eyewear cover.

 

·      To avoid pollen inhalation, put Vaseline into both nostrils.

 

·      If at all possible, stay inside your home.

 

·      Keep your windows and doors shut.

 

·      Dry your clothing indoors instead of outside.

 

·      Dust furniture with a moist cloth if possible.

 

·      When you come in from outside or take a shower, change your clothes.

 

·      Broom your carpets only if you have a vacuum cleaner with a filter.

 

·      Close your automobile windows and invest in a pollen filter for ventilation.

·      When you service your car, you should change this.

 

·      Do not mow the lawn on your own.

 

·      Keep your distance from pets.

 

·      Regularly de-clutter your home.

 

·      For food items to which you are allergic, you can keep a food diary. Without seeking medical advice, do not eliminate any foods from your diet.

 

·      Raw foods are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in the body.

·      Cook meals at the correct temperature.

 

Preventing Measures

 

Complication of hay fever

 

It is preferable to treat hay fever early with the drugs suggested above. If this illness is not treated promptly, you may develop sinusitis (inflammation of the empty air spaces in the skull) and otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear cavity).The latter infection is typically encountered in children who have had hay fever since childhood and have become accustomed to it.

 

Chronic sinusitis