Allergic Rhinitis and Hay Fever: top 5 Symptoms and treatment

Hay Fever Names: Also called seasonal allergy, pollinosis, or allergic rhinitis, it describes an allergy to pollen from trees and grasses, worsening in spring and summer.
Common Symptom - Sneezing: Intense sneezing (5-10 times in a row, several times a day) is a hallmark, triggered by histamines released in response to pollen.
Runny or Stuffy Nose: Alternates between watery, clear nasal discharge and nasal congestion, leading to mouth breathing due to histamine-induced blood vessel dilation and mucus production.
Red, Itchy, Watery Eyes: Pollen irritates the conjunctiva, causing these common symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
Itchy Throat and Coughing: Excess mucus from the nose drips down the throat, causing irritation and resulting in coughing.
Fatigue and Headache: Common but nonspecific symptoms, along with potential blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners) from nasal congestion.
Immune System Reaction: The body mistakenly identifies pollen as harmful, releasing histamine and other mediators, causing the allergic reaction and symptoms.
Seasonal Worsening: Symptoms typically worsen in spring, summer, and autumn but can occur year-round.
Associated with Asthma: Hay fever is commonly linked to asthma, with a significant portion of sufferers developing asthma later in life.
Diagnosis - Skin Prick Test: Involves introducing small amounts of allergens into the skin and observing for a reaction (wheal and flare response).
IgE Levels and ImmunoCAP Test: Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels can be checked, but are not specific; the ImmunoCAP test defines specific antibodies against pollen.
Untreated Consequences: Can lead to chronic sinusitis, ear infections, nasal polyps, sleep apnea, and low sleep quality.
First-Line Treatment - Antihistamines: Medications like cetirizine, loratadine, or fexofenadine provide quick relief and can be taken daily during allergy season.
Nasal Corticosteroids: Fluticasone, mometasone, and budesonide are recommended for nasal symptoms, requiring several days to a week for full effect.
Preventive Measures: Stay indoors on high pollen days, check daily pollen counts via weather apps, and consider allergy shots or sublingual tablets for long-term desensitization.
Disclaimer:
This information is provided for general knowledge and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.
Image Credits:
By Fitzpatrick AM - Fitzpatrick AM, Gaston BM, Erzurum SC, Teague WG. National Institutes of Health/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Severe Asthma Research Program. Features of severe asthma in school-age children: Atopy and increased exhaled nitric oxide. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;118(6):1218-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2006.08.019, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikime...
By Wolfgang Ihloff - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, commons.wikime...