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Hay fever is a prevalent allergic condition that affects millions of people around the world. When our immune system excessively reacts to certain airborne allergens, it causes this issue. This condition disrupts our daily lives. Hence, it is important to be aware of its causes and symptoms to seek timely intervention. Keep reading this blog to know more!
Synopsis
Understanding Hay Fever
The clinical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis. It primarily affects the nasal passages when your immunity system overreacts to inhaled allergens. The most common allergic rhinitis causes are:
Allergic rhinitis can be seasonal or perennial.
Seasonal hay fever occurs due to the pollen released by particular trees. For summer, it is grass pollen; for spring, it is tree pollen; for fall, it is weed pollen. On the other hand, perennial hay fever persists throughout the year. The common triggers of this type are indoor allergens, like dust mites, mould, and pet dander.
Consult our infectious disease hospital in Bangalore if you need to know more about what is allergic rhinitis.
What Are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
The allergic rhinitis symptoms are quite similar to those of a common cold. Even though you may confuse them, an experienced medical professional can help you with an accurate diagnosis.
Below are the general hay fever symptoms:
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Uncontrollable sneezing
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Persistent runny nose (Rhinorrhea)
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Excessive nasal discharge, usually clear and watery
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Nasal congestion
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Difficulty breathing through the nose
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Wheezing or breathing through the mouth
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Cough & Itchy throat
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Loss of smell or taste
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Itchy, watery & redness of eyes
A combination of these symptoms affects our daily lives. Persistent symptoms disrupt sleep, causing fatigue. It also reduces our daytime alertness, hindering concentration and affecting work and academic performance. Hence, hay fever, altogether, can decrease our overall quality of life. So, it is vital to identify the triggers as soon as possible and treat them.
Diagnosis of Hay Fever
Although hay fever seems self-diagnosable, distinguishing it from the common cold can be challenging. Thus, seek support from an expert for proper diagnosis and management. Ignoring the situation may lead to severe complications.
The doctor will first assess your entire medical history, and analyse your symptoms and their longevity. If there is a seasonal pattern, it usually means you have allergic rhinitis. Next, to confirm the diagnosis, your doctor may prescribe certain tests like skin prick tests or blood tests. These can identify the specific allergens, assisting in precise treatment procedures.
Various factors need to be considered to differentiate between hay fever and the common cold. Viral infection usually causes body pain, whereas hay fever, a respiratory allergy, doesn’t cause body pain.
Treatment & Preventive Measures for Hay Fever
The symptoms greatly influence the treatment methods for hay fever. A top infectious disease specialist can take one or multiple approaches to treat your condition.
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Over-the-counter or prescription medicines can alleviate sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion. These medications may include antihistamines and decongestants.
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Your doctor may prescribe nasal spray to reduce inflammation and control the symptoms. It is mostly suitable for people with persistent hay fever.
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You can also discuss immunotherapy with your doctor. It includes taking allergy shots to expose your body to small amounts of allergens, which helps reduce the symptoms of allergies.
Other than that, you may consider some preventions to keep the risks of hay fever at bay.
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Plan your outdoor activities after checking daily pollen forecasts. Avoid going out when the levels are higher.
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Wear sunglasses, masks, and hats to avoid pollen exposure.
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Reduce the amount of indoor allergens by using air purifiers with HEPA filters.
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Regular cleaning and vacuuming your home will help get rid of dust and mould.
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Use allergy-proof bedding and covers.
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Keep your windows shut during high pollen seasons.
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Take warm showers and change your outdoor clothes to minimise exposure.
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Keep your clothes clean.
Combining the preventive measures with the treatment plans can give you the best possible result.
In a nutshell, hay fever can significantly impact our daily lives. Recognising its symptoms, understanding common triggers, and implementing effective management strategies are essential. From antihistamines and immunotherapy to allergen avoidance and environmental measures, a holistic approach ensures relief. Distinguishing hay fever from a common cold will help you navigate the complexities of this allergic condition.
Consult the best infectious disease specialist at Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore for precise diagnosis and treatment.
FAQ's
Pollen from trees, grass, weeds, mould, and pet dander are the most common reasons for hay fever.
No, these two are often mistaken to be similar because of the resemblance in their symptoms. But hay fever is often recurrent and lacks the typical progression of a cold. Your doctor can accurately diagnose the issue that you are suffering from.
With symptoms like fatigue, lack of concentration, and sleep issues, you may feel stressed out. This affects our overall well-being. So, seek timely intervention and management for better health.
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