Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever)

What is it?
Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction that occurs when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. It causes inflammation and irritation of the nasal passages, leading to symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itching of the eyes, nose, or throat.

What can I do?

1. Avoid Allergens: Identify and try to avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms. This may include staying indoors on high pollen days, using allergen-proof bedding covers, and keeping pets out of bedrooms.
2. Allergy-proof Your Home: Use high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in air purifiers and vacuums to reduce airborne allergens. Regularly clean and ventilate your home to minimize dust and mold.
3. Medications: Take over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, or other allergy medications as recommended by your healthcare provider to relieve symptoms.
4. Nasal Irrigation: Use saline nasal sprays or a neti pot to rinse allergens and irritants from your nasal passages, reducing congestion and nasal inflammation.
5. Allergen Immunotherapy: Consider allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) under the supervision of an allergist to desensitise your immune system to specific allergens over time.

Common Medical Treatments

1. Antihistamines: Medications that block the action of histamine, reducing symptoms like sneezing and itching.
2. Nasal Corticosteroids: Sprays or drops that reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, relieving congestion and runny nose.
3. Decongestants: Oral medications or nasal sprays that shrink swollen nasal tissues and reduce congestion.
4. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): Injections that expose your immune system to gradually increasing doses of allergens to build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.
5. Prescription Medications: Your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications or combinations of treatments for severe or persistent symptoms.

When to Consult Your Doctor

• If over-the-counter medications do not adequately control your symptoms.
• If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat.
• If you need guidance on managing allergies while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Remember

Managing allergic rhinitis involves identifying triggers, minimising exposure to allergens, and using medications or treatments to alleviate symptoms. By working with healthcare providers, including allergists or immunologists, you can develop a personalised treatment plan to effectively manage allergic rhinitis and improve your quality of life during allergy seasons or year-round.