Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common allergic condition that affects the nasal passages, sinuses, and eyes. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to particles in the air that are typically harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander.

Symptoms

• Nasal congestion: Stuffy nose and difficulty breathing through the nostrils
• Runny nose: Thin, watery discharge from the nose
• Sneezing: Repeated sneezing attacks, often in response to exposure to allergens
• Itchy eyes, nose, and throat: Irritation and discomfort in these areas, often accompanied by redness and swelling
• (Postnasal drip): Mucus running down the back of the throat, leading to coughing and sore throat
• Loss of smell: Reduced ability to smell due to nasal congestion
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or sluggish due to disrupted sleep patterns and chronic symptoms
• Headaches: Tension headaches or sinus headaches caused by nasal congestion and sinus pressure

Causes and Triggers

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by the release of histamine and other chemical mediators from mast cells in response to allergens. Common allergens that trigger hay fever include:

• Pollen: From trees, grasses, and weeds, which can be carried through the air for miles
• Dust mites: Tiny insects that live in bedding, carpets, and upholstered furniture
• Mold spores: Fungi that grow in damp environments, such as basements or bathrooms
• Pet dander: Skin cells and saliva from cats, dogs, and other animals

Treatments

Treatment for allergic rhinitis typically involves a combination of self-care measures, medications, and immunotherapy. The goal is to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent complications.

Self-Care Measures

• Avoiding allergens: Staying indoors during peak pollen hours, using HEPA filters, and removing carpets and upholstered furniture
• Nasal saline irrigation: Rinsing the nasal passages with a saltwater solution to remove allergens and reduce congestion
• Using air conditioners: To filter out pollen and other allergens from the air

Medications

• Antihistamines: Oral or nasal medications that block histamine receptors, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin)
• Nasal corticosteroids: Sprays that reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, such as fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort)
• Decongestants: Medications that reduce nasal congestion, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or phenylephrine (Sudafed PE)
• Immunomodulators: Medications that modify the immune system's response to allergens, such as cromolyn sodium (Nasalcrom)

Immunotherapy

Also known as allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy, this treatment involves regular exposure to small amounts of the allergen to build tolerance and reduce symptoms. Immunotherapy can be administered via injections or sublingual tablets.

Complications

If left untreated or poorly managed, allergic rhinitis can lead to complications such as:

• Sinusitis: Infection of the sinuses, which can cause pain, fever, and fatigue
• Asthma: Allergic rhinitis is a common trigger for asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath
• Nasal polyps: Growths in the nasal passages that can cause obstruction and loss of smell
• Sleep disturbances: Disrupted sleep patterns due to chronic congestion and sneezing