Hay fever
Hay fever is an allergic reaction. Allergic Rhinitis, the medical term for hay fever means irritation of the nose. Hay fever usually starts during childhood or early adulthood and often diminishes slowly over decades. Hay fever is brought about by allergic reaction to outdoor or indoor contaminants, such as plant pollen, dust mites or chemicals. Anyone can develop hay fever especially those who are exposed to years of repeated inhalation of allergic substances. People who suffer from asthma and eczema are more prone to hay fever. It also tends to run in families. Passive smoking increases risk of developing hay fever.
Symptoms of hay fever
Some people have symptoms all round the year. For others hay fever symptoms worsen at specific times of the year. Spring and fall are considered as main hay fever seasons. In severe cases nose bleeding may occur. Otherwise, the common symptoms of hay fever are:
- Repeated sneezing
- Runny or itchy nose
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Itchy, irritation in the throat, palate and ears
- Inability to concentrate
- Loss of sense of taste and smell
- General feeling of being unwell
- Feeling exhausted
Diagnosing hay fever
Skin prick test: After determining possible allergy-causing substances, a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substance is placed on the skin. Depending on patient’s preference it could be on the forearm, upper arm or the back. The skin is pricked so the allergen goes under the skin’s surface. The health care provider observes the skin for possible reactions like swelling, itchy feeling and redness of the skin. Reactions, if any can be noticed within 15-20 minutes which confirms hay fever. Skin prick test is not recommended for people with eczema or those taking certain medications like antihistamines as it will interfere in responding to allergic reaction. In such cases, blood test is done.
Blood test: Blood test is recommended when skin prick test cannot be done or if the results of skin prick test are not useful. A sample of blood will be taken from a vein in the arm and tested for the presence of the Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody. If the blood test is positive, it confirms the presence of hay fever.
Treating hay fever
The aim of treatment would be to stop exposing the body to allergic substances or preferably avoid it completely. There are a plethora of options to treat hay fever. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of hay fever and the symptoms. Age, occupation and life style is also given due consideration.
- Antihistamines medicines
- Antiallergic nasal sprays or eye drops
- Antihistamines sprays or drops for nose or eyes
- Steroid sprays or drops for the nose only
- Decongestant sprays
- Decongestant tablets
- Steroid tablets or injections
- Desensitizing injections
Some medications do not require prescription and are sold over-the-counter as non-prescription medications. It is best to seek health care provider’s opinion taking into account the possible side effects.
- Know triggers and keep away from allergens
- keep environment clean
- Eat a healthy oil-free diet
- Include a lot of vitamin C
- Increase protein intake
- Drink boiled, filtered water
- Don’t miss to drink herbal tea
- Avoid venturing out when pollen count is high
- Don’t skip medications
Allergic Rhinitis
Rhinitis occurs when there is inflammation of the inner lining of the nose. Allergic Rhinitis is a condition where there is hypersensitivity by the immune system to allergens. Allergic rhinitis is triggered when the body responds to allergens by producing antibodies. Histamines are released into the bloodstream leading to allergic symptoms. Allergic rhinitis is a common medical condition that affects nearly a fifth of the population. Allergic rhinitis is often associated with severe asthma, otitis media and sinusitis. This manifests in symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, stuffy nose and itchy eyes. Some persons suffering from allergic rhinitis may experience frequent headaches and difficulty in hearing and smelling. This condition can bring on fatigue, sleep disorders and drowsiness.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever and is noticed during autumn. On the other hand perennial allergic rhinitis is a condition where the patient suffers rhinitis symptoms due to exposure to pet hair, carpeting, upholstery or air pollution. Patients suffering from perennial allergenic rhinitis tend to notice the symptoms irrespective of the season. Some of the common allergens are pollen, mold, animal dander, feathers, dust and grass. The symptoms are usually noticed more in winter. Certain foods and spices might increase nasal secretions associated with allergenic rhinitis. Stress and gastroesophageal reflux can trigger the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. There is post nasal drip and cough and may be accompanied by loss of smell.
Antihistamines are prescribed to block the action of the histamines created by allergy. But antihistamines tend to cause drowsiness. Decongestants can help in alleviating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as stuffy nose. Decongestants must be used with care on those suffering from , thyroid problems and heart conditions. Corticosteroids are useful in treating allergic rhinitis since they reduce the reaction by the body to the histamines. Steroid nasal sprays can help reduce nasal inflammation and allergy. Mucus thinning agents are prescribed for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis to make the nasal secretions less sticky so that they do not coagulate at the back of the nose and throat.
- Keep away from pets if you are extremely allergic to animal dander
- Use pillows made from hypoallergenic material such as dacron or polyster
- Use HEPA filter for your bedroom and living area
- Resort to vacuuming instead of dusting
- Drink adequate fluids
- Sleep with the head at a slight elevation
- Balanced diet
- Avoid nasal irritants like perfume, cigarette smoke, car exhaust and aerosol sprays
Motion sickness
Motion sickness or travel sickness or kinetosis is commonly experienced by many persons in symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting, nausea and headache. In most cases, travel sickness occurs when there is differences in perception of actual movement and the vestibular system.
Carsickness: happens more to those who are looking at the interiors of the car.
Airsickness: is a form of motion sickness that affects balance and equilibrium and is more common during aircraft tilts and interior seats.
Seasickness: occurs when a person experiences vertigo and nausea on traveling over water. The boat's rocking movement induces motion sickness.
Typically this form of travel sickness is treated with antihistamines and sedatives.
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