Allergic Rhinitis
Sneezing and other symptoms of allergic rhinitis are brought on when something you’re allergic to, like pollen, irritates your nose. (Hay fever) is an allergic response to microscopic airborne particles known as allergens. Histamine, a naturally occurring substance, is released by your body in response to inhaling allergens through your mouth or nose. Hay fever is brought on by numerous indoor and outdoor allergens. Dust mites, mold, pet dander, and plant and tree pollen are typical culprits.
Sneezing, nasal congestion, and irritation of the mouth, nose, throat, and eyes are all signs of hay fever. Infectious rhinitis, also known as the common cold, is not the same as allergic rhinitis. Hay fever is not spread by others.
Symptoms
The year-round possibility of hay fever symptoms. In the spring, summer, and early fall, outdoor allergies are at their worst. Warmer temperatures cause weeds and flowers to blossom, which increases pollen levels. Winter can exacerbate indoor allergies, such as those brought on by pet dander and dust mites, since more people stay inside.
- Nasal stuffiness (congestion), sneezing and runny nose.
- Itchy nose, throat and eyes.
- Headaches, sinus pain and dark circles under the eyes.
- Increased mucus in the nose and throat.
- Fatigue and malaise (general feeling of discomfort)
- Sore throat from mucus dripping down the throat (postnasal drip).
- Wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.
Causes
When your body’s immune system responds to an allergen in the air, allergic rhinitis develops. You can readily breathe in the irritants (allergens) through your mouth or nose since they are so little.
Most people are not harmed by allergens. In contrast, hay fever causes your immune system to believe that the allergen is invading. The immune system sends organic substances into your bloodstream in an effort to defend your body. Histamine is the primary chemical. As they attempt to expel the allergen, the mucous membranes in the nose, eyes, and throat swell up and become irritating. Numerous allergens, such as the following, can cause seasonal and year-round allergies:
- Dust mites that live in carpets, drapes, bedding and furniture.
- Pollen from trees, grass and weeds
- Pet dander (tiny flakes of dead skin)
- Mold spores
- Cockroaches, including their saliva and waste
- Food allergies can also cause inflammation in the nose and throat. If you think you’re having an allergic reaction to something you ate, food allergies can be life-threatening.
Prevention
Adapting your way of life can help you manage your allergies. By minimizing your exposure to irritants, you can reduce the symptoms of hay fever. To lessen symptoms, you want to:
- Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose.
- Close windows in your home and car during the spring, summer and early fall when pollen counts are higher.
- Enclose pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust mite covers.
- Keep pets off couches and beds, and close doors to bedrooms you don’t want them to enter.
- Use filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.
- Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets.
- Wear a mask and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when you’re outside. Change your clothes as soon as soon as you come.
