Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to a normally harmless substance, such as pollen. Allergic rhinitis usually flares up in the spring, summer and fall months when pollen grains are released by trees, grasses and weeds. Plant pollens depend on wind for cross-pollination. Plants that depend on insect pollination, like goldenrod and dandelions, do not cause allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis can be present year-round if you are sensitive to the following:

Hay fever symptoms affect 10 to 20 percent of the U.S. population. While the exact cause of allergies is unknown, evidence suggests that hay fever and allergies are at least partially genetic. Also, people with asthma or eczema are prone to allergies, as well. Many of these people are sensitive to more than one allergen.

 

When an allergen enters the nose or throat, the immune system releases histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine causes swelling and redness of the sinuses, nose and mucus membranes. It also triggers sneezing in an attempt to rid the body of the allergen, and it causes swelling to block the allergen from entering the body again. These symptoms are extremely uncomfortable and can resemble having the flu or a cold. Histamine can also cause:

A doctor or board-certified allergist can provide an allergy diagnosis. For a doctor to confirm an allergy diagnosis, the nasal lining within the nose is inspected.

 

Skin testing can confirm whether or not you suffer from allergic rhinitis. Your doctor will place potential allergens on the skin, such as:

Your doctor will scratch or puncture your skin, allowing the allergen to react with your body. After 15 minutes, a positive skin test will produce a raised, red bump. A saline substance is used as a negative control, to ensure that the person is not reacting to the prick of a needle.

When undergoing immunotherapy, the body builds resistance to specific allergens. Allergy shots are performed when a person knows the specific allergens that bother them. The treatment takes a few months to years, and may be necessary throughout a lifetime. Allergy shots can be extremely beneficial to people who suffer severe allergic reactions to specific allergens.

The most obvious solution to allergies is avoiding any contact with possible allergens. However, that is not always possible. If you must spend time outside when pollen and mold counts are high, wear a filtered mask. Over-the-counter antihistamines can be obtained from the local grocery or drugstore. Antihistamines are most effective when taken prior to being exposed to allergens. Claritin and Zyrtec relieve runny nose, itchy eyes and a cough. Mucinex eases congestion, and antihistamine eye drops can sooth itchy, watery eyes. Many doctors also recommend a nasal rinse. The warm salt water removes the pollen or mold particles from your nasal passages and can be used after spending time outdoors. If these medicines are not effective, a physician can prescribe antihistamines, corticosteroids and cromolyn sodium to be used individually or in combination.

 

If you are allergic to indoor allergens such as animal dander or dust mites, keep a clean house. Vacuum twice a week and wash all towels and sheets with hot water weekly. Clean kitchen and bathroom areas with bleach or chlorine cleaning supplies. Dust regularly and keep windows shut at all times. Invest in an air purifier and a dehumidifier for your home.

 

 

Doheny, K. (2005). The allergy antidote: Forty million Americans suffer from seasonal rhinitis. Retrieved on March 19, 2009, from the Find Articles Web site: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NAH/is_4_35/ai_n13479468.

 

Hatfield, Heather (2008). How to survive spring allergy season. Retrieved on March 20, 2009, from the WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/how-to-survive-spring-allergies.