Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis

It is an allergic condition which causes cold like signs and symptoms such as runny nose, sinusitis, itching in eyes, sneezing etc. Another name of hay fever is allergic rhinitis.

Symptoms

Below mention are the signs and symptoms of hay fever:

Cough
Sneezing
Nasal congestion
Runny nose
Itching in nose and eyes
Sore throat
Fatigue
Fever

Causes

It is an allergic condition in which your immune system start reaction towards an harmless substance of environment such as pollens, dust particle, pets, dust mites etc. First interaction with the antigen cause to produce large amount of IgE antibodies, they are attached to mast cells and basophils, again interaction of the same antigen cause the degradation of the mast cells which produce the signs and symptoms.

Complications

Complications include:

Poor sleep. Allergic rhinitis cause trouble in sleeping with an obstructed nose
Increase risk of the development of sinusitis due to the prolong connection of sinus.
Due to coughing and sneezing
Ear infection. It cause a middle ear infection in children.

Prevention

Only preventive way is to avoid the exposure to the allergens.

Diagnosis

After performing physical examination your doctor may recommend the following tests:

Allergen blood test: to check to immune response towards the certain allergen
Skin prick test. To check the immune response by wheal and flare reaction of the skin

Treatment

Best option of treatment is to avoid the allergic substance at all. Medications only relieve the symptoms.

Treatment options include:

Antihistamines
Nasal corticosteriods
Cromly sodium
Decongestant
Leukotrinesenes inhibitor

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

You should know the substance which cause to you allergic reaction, following are the tips by which you can reduce you signs of allergic rhinitis:

Use air conditioning in your house
Shut the doors and windows during unfavourable seasons
Use a dehumidifier
Wear a mask when go outside
Avoid pets

Hay Fever, Allergic Rhinitis