10 May What is Hay Fever and When should You Call a Doctor?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a widespread condition affecting people worldwide. It causes sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Fortunately, you can implement several treatments and lifestyle changes to help relieve your symptoms. 

This blog post will look at how to identify and discuss how to deal with hay fever and when you should contact a doctor for further medical advice.

What is Hay Fever? 

Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and other airborne allergens. The body produces antibodies to fight the allergen, resulting in symptoms of hay fever, including sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes and nose, and watery eyes. Sometimes, hay fever can cause headaches, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal (caused by allergens in the air during specific times of the year) or perennial (caused by allergens present all year round). While hay fever is not life-threatening, it can interfere with everyday activities and cause significant discomfort.

Hay Fever Causes

Hay fever results from environmental allergens, primarily pollen or mold spores from trees, grasses, and weeds. Pollen enters the air when plants release their microscopic male reproductive cells into the air, allowing them to be spread to other plants by the wind. Other common triggers of hay fever include dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, and certain foods.

Hay fever symptoms are seasonal and typically manifest during spring, late summer, or fall. Emotional stress can also trigger worsening hay fever symptoms.

Knowing what causes your hay fever is vital for managing your symptoms. If you are suffering from hay fever, it is best to speak to your doctor to determine the most effective treatment for your needs.

Hay Fever Symptoms

In addition to a runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and nasal congestion, you may experience headaches, postnasal drip, dark circles under your eyes, and fatigue. Some people also experience hives or eczema due to their allergies.

Less common symptoms include sore throat, coughing, ear pressure, and difficulty sleeping. Allergy symptoms are more likely to occur when pollen is abundant in the warmer spring and summer months.

Minimizing Symptoms of Hay Fever

You can make some lifestyle changes to reduce the severity of hay fever symptoms. Stay indoors during peak pollen time, keep windows closed, use air conditioning when indoors, and avoid outdoor activities like gardening during peak times.

Before heading outside during peak times, an antihistamine may help reduce your allergy symptoms. However, if these methods do not reduce your symptoms, speak to your doctor about other treatment options, such as immunotherapy injections or prescription medications.

Home Remedies for Hay Fever

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal irrigation is a natural remedy for hay fever that can relieve congestion and inflammation by placing a saline solution into the nostrils, helping clear out pollen and other residual allergens. Nasal irrigation can be done at home using over-the-counter products such as Neti pots or nasal sprays.

Avoiding Triggers

One of the best ways to reduce hay fever symptoms is to avoid exposure to triggers such as mold, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites. It is important to stay indoors during peak hours of pollen release (usually in the early morning or late afternoon).

Using Air Filters

HEPA air filters are also a great way to reduce hay fever symptoms. They can help capture pollen and other allergens in the air and help keep them out of your home. Regular replacement of air filters regularly is essential, as they can become clogged over time.

Over-the-counter Medications

Many over-the-counter medications are available to help relieve hay fever symptoms. These include antihistamines (such as Allegra, Zyrtec, and Claritin) and decongestants (such as Sudafed). Remember to follow the instructions on the label when taking these medications, as some may cause drowsiness.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for concerns or questions about your chosen medication.

Other Strategies

You can also try herbal remedies for hay fever, such as local honey or stinging nettles. Make sure you are getting enough rest and staying hydrated. Staying well-rested will allow your body to cope better with allergies while drinking plenty of fluids will help flush out any irritants from your body.

When to Call a Doctor

You should consider calling a doctor if you are experiencing severe or worsening hay fever symptoms. Painful symptoms include a high fever, coughing, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. Persistent hay fever symptoms that last more than two weeks should also be addressed with your doctor.

Additionally, if you have complications from allergic rhinitis, such as sinus infections, ear infections, or asthma attacks, you should seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can provide the appropriate treatments for your condition and help reduce your symptoms.

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment

Several prescription medications are available for treating allergic rhinitis, including antihistamines, nasal sprays, corticosteroids, decongestants, and other immunotherapy drugs. These drugs can help reduce hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, and postnasal drip.

Immunotherapy is a treatment in which patients are exposed to small doses of the allergen to help build their tolerance and reduce their symptoms. Immunotherapy can be administered orally, through injections, or allergy drops under the tongue.

Hay Fever Prevention

Identifying the triggers of hay fever is essential in preventing it from happening. Pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are the most common allergens that cause hay fever. When exposed to these allergens, the body’s immune system overreacts and releases histamines, leading to hay fever symptoms.

Once you have determined your allergy triggers, you can work to avoid them as much as possible. If pollen is the allergen causing your hay fever, limit outdoor activities during peak pollen times and wear a face mask when going outside during peak hours.

Reduce exposure to pet dander by keeping pets out of your home or bathing them regularly. Vacuuming and keeping your home clean can help you avoid dust mites.

Creating an Allergen-free Environment

Creating an allergen-free environment helps prevents hay fever for those with severe allergies. This process may involve removing carpets and rugs from the home, using air filters, and covering mattresses, pillows, and duvets with dust-proof covers. Consider switching to natural cleaning products, such as vinegar and baking soda, as synthetic cleaning products can aggravate hay fever symptoms. It’s also important to keep windows and doors closed and use air conditioning to keep the home comfortable.

Summary

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a prevalent condition affecting millions worldwide. The leading causes of hay fever are airborne allergens such as pollen and dust mites, with symptoms including a runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing, and congestion. Many home remedies can help reduce hay fever symptoms, such as using an air purifier, avoiding allergens when possible, and taking over-the-counter medications like antihistamines.

Additionally, it is crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or become more frequent. Your doctor can provide additional medicines to help reduce your symptoms’ severity. With the right treatment plan and preventive measures, you can successfully manage your hay fever and improve your quality of life.

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