Description

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like symptoms. These may include a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever is not caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction to a harmless outdoor or indoor substance that the body identifies as harmful (allergen).

The most common allergens that can trigger symptoms of hay fever include pollen and dust mites. Small patches of skin shed by cats, dogs and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander) can also be allergens.

In addition to making your life miserable, hay fever can affect how well they perform at work or in school, and in general can interfere with your life. But you don't have to deal with the annoying symptoms. You can learn to avoid the triggers, and find the right treatment.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hay fever can include:

  • Runny nose and nasal congestion, called congestion.
  • Watery eyes, itching, redness of the eyes.
  • Sneezing.
  • For cough.
  • Itching in the nose, the roof of the mouth or throat.
  • The mucus that runs down the back of the throat, called postnasal drip.
  • Swollen, bruised appearance of the skin under the eyes, known as dark circles allergic.
  • Extreme tiredness and fatigue, often due to lack of sleep.

Hay fever triggers

Your symptoms of hay fever may occur throughout the year, or you may start or get worse at a particular time of the year. These are known as seasonal allergies.

Hay fever triggers include:

  • Tree pollen, which is common at the beginning of the spring.
  • Grass pollen, which is common in late spring and summer.
  • The ragweed pollen, which is common in the fall.
  • Dust mites and cockroach droppings, which are present throughout the year.
  • Pet dander, which can be annoying throughout the year, but can make the symptoms worse in winter, when homes are closed.
  • The spores of indoor and outdoor fungi and molds, which can be both seasonal and all year round.

Hay fever or the common cold?

The symptoms can be similar, so that it can be difficult to know what one has.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health professional if:

  • You can not find the relief of symptoms of hay fever.
  • Allergy medications do not provide relief, or cause side effects.
  • You have another condition that may worsen hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma, or the frequency of sinus infections.

Many people — especially children — to stay with hay fever symptoms, so it may be that they do not seek treatment until symptoms become severe. But getting the right treatment can offer relief.

Causes

When someone has hay fever, the immune system identifies a harmless airborne substance as harmful. This substance is called an allergen. The body produces immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to protect against allergens. When the body comes into contact with an allergen, these antibodies signal the immune system to release chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream. This causes a reaction that leads to the symptoms of hay fever.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase a person's risk of developing hay fever:

  • Have other allergies or asthma.
  • Have a condition called atopic dermatitis or eczema, which makes the skin irritated and itchy.
  • Having a blood relative, such as a parent or a sibling with allergies or asthma.
  • Live or work in an environment that is constantly exposed to someone to allergens such as animal dander, or dust mites.
  • Exposure to smoke and strong smells that irritate the lining of the nose.
  • Having a mother who smoked during the first year of life.

Complications

The problems that can go along with hay fever include:

  • Reduction of the quality of life. Hay fever can interfere with the enjoyment of the activities and make you less productive. For many people, hay fever symptoms lead to loss of work or school.
  • The lack of sleep. Hay fever symptoms can keep you awake or make it difficult to stay asleep. This can lead to fatigue and a general feeling of malaise, called discomfort.
  • Worsening of asthma. Hay fever can worsen the symptoms of asthma, such as coughing and wheezing.
  • The Sinusitis. Prolonged sinus congestion due to hay fever may increase your risk of getting sinusitis-an infection or inflammation of the membrane lining the sinuses.
  • Infection in the ear. In children, hay fever, is often a factor in the infection of the middle ear called otitis media.

Prevention

There is No way to prevent the spread of hay fever. If you have hay fever, the best thing to do is to reduce your exposure to the allergens that cause your symptoms. Take allergy medications before you're exposed to allergens, as directed by your health care professional.

Diagnosis

To diagnose hay fever, a health care professional normally performs a physical exam and talks about the overall health, symptoms and possible triggers. One or both of these tests can be recommended:

  • Skin test. Small amounts of material that can cause allergies are raised patches of skin on the arm or in the upper part of the back. A medical professional, then the clocks of the skin for an allergic reaction. If someone has an allergy, a lump called a hive will form at the site of that allergen. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The allergy specialists usually are better equipped to perform the tests of allergy on the skin.
  • Allergy blood test. A blood sample is sent to a laboratory to measure the immune system's response to a specific allergen. This test measures the amount of the allergy-causing antibodies in the bloodstream, known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

Treatment

Once a person knows their allergy triggers, a health professional can help you develop a treatment plan to reduce or get rid of the symptoms of hay fever.

It is best to limit the exposure to substances that cause hay fever. If hay fever is not too severe, otc medications may be enough to relieve symptoms. For the worst of the symptoms, the prescription may be required.

Many people get the best relief from a combination of allergy medications. Sometimes, a couple of different options need to be tried before finding what works best for you.

If a child has hay fever, talk with your health care professional about treatment. Not all drugs are approved for use in children. Read the labels carefully.

Treatments for hay fever can include medications, immunotherapy, and nasal saline rinses.

Medicines for hay fever

Nasal corticosteroids

These nasal sprays help prevent and treat nasal congestion and itching, runny nose caused by hay fever. For many people, the nasal sprays are the most effective drugs for hay fever, and are often the first type of medication is recommended.

  • Nasal sprays-the-counter include fluticasone (Flonase Allergy Relief), budesonide (Rhinocort Allergy), triamcinolone (Nasacort Allergy 24 HOURS), and mometasone (Nasonex 24-hour Allergy).
  • Prescription nasal sprays that combine an antihistamine with a steroid , which include azelastine and fluticasone (Dymista) and mometasone and olopatadine (Ryaltris).

Nasal corticosteroids are a safe, long-term treatment for the majority of the people. Side effects may include an unpleasant taste or smell and irritation of the nose. Steroid side effects of a nasal spray are rare.

Antihistamines

A symptom-causing chemical called histamine, which is released by the immune system during an allergic reaction. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine. These medications can help with itching, sneezing, and a runny nose, but it has less effect on congestion. Antihistamines are usually given in the form of pills or tablets. However, there are also antihistamine nasal sprays that can relieve nasal symptoms. Antihistamine eye drops can help relieve eye itchiness and irritation.

  • Oral antihistamines are available without a prescription include loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), cetirizine, and fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy).
  • Non-prescription eye drops include olopatadine (Pataday, Patanol) and ketotifen (Alaway, Zaditor).
  • Nasal sprays-the-counter which include azelastine (Astepro Allergy).
  • Prescription nasal sprays include olopatadine.

The common side effects of antihistamines are dryness of mouth, nose and eyes. Some oral antihistamines can make you drowsy. Other side effects of oral antihistamines may include restlessness, headaches, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, and problems with blood pressure and urination. Talk with a health care professional before taking antihistamines, especially if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.

Decongestants

Decongestants reduce the nasal congestion and the pressure of the swelling. Because they do not relieve other symptoms of hay fever, which is sometimes combined with other medications such as antihistamines.

Decongestants are available as liquids, tablets and nasal sprays. They are available with and without prescription.

  • Oral decongestants include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed).
  • Nasal decongestants include phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine) and oxymetazoline (Afrin).

Oral decongestants can cause some side effects, such as increased blood pressure, insomnia, irritability and headache. Decongestants can cause urination problems, if you have an enlarged prostate. Consult with a healthcare professional before taking decongestants if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are pregnant.

Don't use a decongestant nasal spray for more than 2 to 3 days at a time, as it can worsen the symptoms, when used continuously. This is known as rebound congestion.

Cromolyn sodium

Cromolyn sodium can help to relieve the symptoms of hay fever by preventing the release of histamine. This medication is most effective if you start using it before you have symptoms. The drug is available without a prescription nasal spray to be used several times a day. It is also available in the form of eye drops with a prescription. The medication do not have serious side effects.

Switch leukotriene

Montelukast (Singulair) is a prescription tablet taken to block the action of leukotrienes. The leukotrienes are the immune system of the chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, such as irritation of the nose and making too much mucus. It is particularly effective in the treatment of allergy-induced asthma. Often used when nasal sprays can not be tolerated or for mild asthma.

Montelukast can cause headaches. In rare cases, it has been linked to psychological reactions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. See your doctor right away for any unusual psychological reaction.

Nasal ipratropium

Available in a prescription nasal spray ipratropium, it helps to alleviate the severe runny nose by preventing the glands in the nose to make too much mucus. It is not effective for the treatment of congestion, itching or sneezing.

Mild side effects include dryness of the nose, bleeding from the nose, dryness and irritation of the eyes, and sore throat. Rarely, the drug may cause more serious side effects, such as blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulty urinating. This medicine is not recommended if you have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate.

Oral corticosteroids

The pads of corticosteroids such as prednisone are sometimes used to relieve the symptoms of allergy. Due to the long-term use of corticosteroids can cause serious side effects, such as cataracts, osteoporosis and muscle weakness, which are usually prescribed only for short periods of time.

Immunotherapy for hay fever

Allergy shots

Also called immunotherapy or desensitization therapy, allergy shots change the way the immune system reacts to allergens. If medications do not relieve the symptoms of hay fever or cause many side effects, a health professional may recommend allergy shots. More than 3 to 5 years you will get regular vaccines that contain small amounts of the allergens. The goal is to get your body to the allergens that cause your symptoms and reduce the need for medications.

Immunotherapy can be especially effective if you are allergic to animal dander, dust mites, or pollen produced by trees, grasses or weeds. In children, immunotherapy can help to prevent asthma.

Under the tongue (sublingual) tablets allergy

In place of vaccines, this therapy consists of taking a small amount of allergen in the form of a pill that dissolves under the tongue. This is known as sublingual administration. The pills are typically taken on a daily basis. Sublingual tablets of allergy do not work for all allergens, but it can be useful for grass and ragweed pollens, and dust mites.

Saline Nasal rinses for hay fever

Saline nasal spray

Saline nasal sprays can moisten dry nasal passages and thin nasal mucus. You do not need a prescription, and can be used as often as needed.

Nasal irrigation

Rinse the nasal passages with saline solution, called nasal irrigation, is a quick and effective way to relieve nasal congestion. Rinse removes the mucus and allergens from your nose. Irrigation with saline solution is a water-based solution that contains a small amount of salt (sodium), and other ingredients.

Irrigation with saline solutions you can buy ready-made or as kits to add water. You can also use a homemade solution. Looking for a squeeze bottle or a neti pot — a small container with a spout designed to rinse the nose — in your pharmacy or health food store.

To make the irrigation with saline solution, do not use tap water, as they may contain organisms that could cause infection. The use of sterile or distilled water. You can also use boiled and cooled water. Another option is to use water that has been filtered using a filter with an absolute pore size of 1 micron or less.

To prevent infection, wash the bottle or pot with hot, soapy water and rinse after each use and leave open to air dry. Not sharing a container with other people.

Lifestyle and home remedies

It is not possible to avoid the allergen completely, but you can reduce your symptoms by limiting your exposure to these chemicals. If you know what you are allergic to, you can avoid the triggers. Keep in mind some of these tips.

The pollen, or mold

The pollen and mold spores are fine dustlike particles that plants use in fertilization. Float in the wind and they can get into your nose and eyes.

  • Close doors and windows during pollen season.
  • Don't hang laundry outside-pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
  • The use of air conditioning in your house and your car.
  • The use of an allergy-grade filter in your home's ventilation system, and change it regularly.
  • Do outdoor activities early in the morning, when pollen levels are highest, and also in the high pollen-count days.
  • Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
  • Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity in the interior.
  • The use of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom and other rooms where you spend a lot of time.
  • Do not cut the grass or raking the leaves.
  • Use a dust mask when cleaning the house or gardening.
  • Wear glasses or sunglasses when outside to limit the pollen gets in your eyes.

Dust mites

Dust mites are small, insect-like pests that are common in dust. They live in bedding, carpets, upholstery, and stuffed animals. Mites prefer warm, damp spaces.

  • Using allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
  • Wash sheets, blankets and stuffed animals, at least weekly in hot water to at least 130 F (54 C).
  • Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce the humidity in the interior.
  • Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
  • Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you're very sensitive to dust mites.
  • Use a damp mop and dust cloth to avoid stirring up dust.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches leave small droppings can become airborne. Get rid of the insects that are getting rid of their droppings.

  • Block cracks and crevices where cockroaches may enter.
  • Seal around and fix leaky faucets and pipes.
  • Wash the dishes and empty the garbage and recyclable materials on a daily basis.
  • Mopping up the leftover food from the table and the floor.
  • Store of food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
  • Consider the possibility of the extermination of the pest professional.

Pet dander

Pet dander is tiny flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs and other animals with fur or feathers. The mascot of the urine and the saliva may also contain allergens.

  • Keep pets out of your home, if possible.
  • Bathe the dogs twice a week, if possible. The benefit of bathing the cats has not been demonstrated.
  • Keep pets out of your bedroom and low furniture.
  • Vacuum carpets often with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
  • Wash your hands after touching an animal.
  • Wash clothing after contact with an animal.
  • Ask a person without allergies to provide the hygiene and cleanliness of the areas with domestic animals.
  • Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you are very sensitive to pet dander.
  • Use a damp mop and dust cloth to avoid removing pet dander.

Alternative medicine

Although there is not much evidence about the way in which alternative treatments work, sometimes people try them for hay fever. Examples include:

  • Herbal remedies and supplements.Extracts of the shrub of the butterbur may help to prevent the symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you try to heliotrope, make sure to use a product labeled PA-free, indicating that they had potentially toxic substances removed. There is some limited evidence that spirulina and Tinospora cordifolia may also be effective. Despite the fact that its benefits are not clear, other herbal remedies for seasonal allergies include capsicum, honey, vitamin C and fish oil. Herbal remedies and supplements that are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, the drugs are. Discuss these products with your health care provider before use.
  • Acupuncture. Some people claim that acupuncture may help with the symptoms of seasonal allergies. There is limited evidence that these treatments work, but there is also little evidence of harm.

Herbal remedies and supplements. Extracts of the shrub of the butterbur may help to prevent the symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you try to heliotrope, make sure to use a product labeled PA-free, indicating that they had potentially toxic substances removed.

There is some limited evidence that spirulina and Tinospora cordifolia may also be effective. Despite the fact that its benefits are not clear, other herbal remedies for seasonal allergies include capsicum, honey, vitamin C and fish oil.

Herbal remedies and supplements that are not evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, the drugs are. Discuss these products with your health care provider before use.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. However, in some cases, when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be referred to an allergist, or another specialist.

Have a friend or family member, if possible. Someone who accompanies you can help to remember the information.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment. Before your appointment, make a list of:

  • The symptoms, when they occur, and what seems to trigger them. Include symptoms that may seem unrelated to hay fever.
  • Recent life changes, such as moving to a new house or a new part of the country.
  • All the medicines you take, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements, and your dose.
  • Questions to ask during your appointment.

For hay fever, questions include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely to go away on its own?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What other treatments or ways to avoid the triggers, you can suggest?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that I should follow?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask a couple of questions, including:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What seems to trigger your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • Do any of your blood relatives, such as a father or a brother, you have hay fever or other allergies?
  • Do your symptoms interfere with work, school, or the dream?

What you can do in the meantime

While you wait for your appointment, the resources available without a prescription may help to relieve the symptoms of hay fever. They include pills, liquids, nasal sprays and eye drops. Also, try to reduce their exposure to potential triggers, if possible.

Symptoms and treatment of Hay fever