Nose Allergy (Hay Fever) Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Nose Allergy or Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) Sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and a sore throat are common symptoms of allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever. Hay fever symptoms can be cause by pollen, pet dander, mold, and insects. A lifestyle change, allergy medication, or immunotherapy (allergy shots) can reduce hay fever symptoms.

• ACCESS & APPOINTMENTS
• GET IN TOUCH
• Causes and symptoms
•  Tests and Diagnosis
•  Treatment and management
•  Preventative measures
•  Prognosis / Outlook
•  Managing

As a result of allergens in the air, allergic rhinitis (hay fever) occurs. Histamine is a natural chemical release by the body as a reaction to breathing in allergens through the nose or mouth. Allergens both indoors and outdoors can cause hay fever. Mold, dander from pets, dust mites, and plant pollen are common causes.

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): what is it?

In addition to sneezing and nasal congestion, hay fever can cause irritation of the nose, throat, mouth, and eyes. A common cold is not allergic rhinitis, which is also known as infectious rhinitis. There is no contagious nature to hay fever.

What is the usual onset of hay fever?

There is no season when you cannot get hay fever. As trees and weeds bloom and pollen counts rise in spring, summer, and early fall, seasonal allergies are more likely to occur. Allergies can occur throughout the year due to perennial causes. Cockroaches, dust mites, pet dander, and pet hair are the irritants that cause them.

What is the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

There is a high incidence of hay fever. A large percentage of the U.S. population suffers from allergic rhinitis. Millions of people suffer hay fever yearly, both children and adults.

Allergy rhinitis can affect who?

Families pass down allergies (inherited). An allergic parent or a family member increases your chances of getting hay fever. Hay fever is more common among people with asthma or eczema.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is caused by what?

It is cause by your body’s immune system reacting to airborne irritants. You can inhale the irritants (allergens) through your nose or mouth because they are so small. Most people are not allergic to allergens. However, your immune system believes the allergen is invading if you have hay fever. By releasing natural chemicals into the bloodstream, your immune system protects your body. Histamine is the main chemical. As these mucous membranes attempt to eject the allergen, they become inflamed and itchy.

Allergic reactions may result from several allergens, including:-

• Furniture, carpets, drapes, and bedding harbor dust mites.
• Tree pollen, grass pollen, and weed pollen.
• Dander from pets (dead skin flakes).
• The spores of mold.
• Waste and saliva of cockroaches.

Inflammation of the nose and throat can also be cause by food allergies. In case of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. It is possible to die from food allergies.

• How does allergic rhinitis (hay fever) feel?

Nose allergy symptoms of hay fever can appear at any time of the year. Spring, summer, and early fall are the worst times for outdoor allergies. Flowers and weeds bloom in warm weather, causing a higher pollen count. People spend more time indoors in the winter, which can aggravate allergies caused by pet dander and dust mites.

Hay fever symptoms include:-

1. The nose feels stuffy (congested), sneezes, and runs.
2. The eyes, nose, and throat are itchy.
3. Under-eye circles, headaches, and sinus pain.
4. Throat and nose mucus are increase.
5. An overall feeling of fatigue and malaise.
6. Postnasal drip causes a sore throat.
7. Breathing difficulties, wheezing and coughing.

DIAGNOSTICS AND TESTS

• What is the diagnosis of hay fever?

During your doctor’s visit for nose alllergy, he or she will examine you, ask about your symptoms, and assess whether you have asthma or a cold. A blood sample may be taken and sent to a lab to test your antibodies to specific allergens. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood tests are use for this purpose. Allergies, including food allergies, can be detect with this device.

A skin prick test may be recommende by your provider to determine what allergens are causing your symptoms.

• How does a skin prick test work?

There is no pain involve in this test, though it may sometimes be a little uncomfortable. Your provider scratches or pricks your skin with different allergen samples (usually on your forearm or back) with a needle. When the skin is scratch, allergens can penetrate beneath the surface. If you are allergic to the allergen in 15 to 30 minutes, the area becomes red, itchy, and irritated. Allergic reactions can cause raised, hive-like blisters called wheals. An allergy skin prick test can identify the allergens causing your symptoms in a safe, effective manner.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

Nose allergy (Hay fever) can be control with several allergy medications. Injections, eye drops, nasal sprays, and eye drops are some of the many forms of these treatments. Pregnant women and those with other health concerns should consult their provider before taking any medication. Providers may suggest:

An antihistamine can be purchased over the counter or with a prescription. In an allergic reaction, your body releases histamine, which they block. Inhalers, eye drops, nasal sprays, and pills are all forms of antihistamines. The following are among them:

• Loratadine (Claritin®).
• Cetirizine (Zyrtec®).
• Fexofenadine (Allegra®).
• Levocetirizine (Xyzal®).

Drowsiness can be caused by antihistamines. If you plan to drive while taking antihistamines, avoid alcohol. Different types of allergies treat with different methods.

What are the treatment options for allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

A decongestant relieves nasal and sinus congestion. Decongestants can be taken orally (as pills or liquids) or inhaled (as nasal sprays). Among them are:

• Afrin® nasal spray.
• Phenylephrine nasal spray (Neo-Synephrine®).
• Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®):- It is possible for decongestants to cause high blood pressure, headaches, difficulty sleeping, and irritability. When used for more than five days, nasal decongestants can become addictive. Before taking them, speak with your provider.
• Symptoms of hay fever are relieved by these sprays and inhalers that contain corticosteroids. Flonase®, Nasacort®, and Rhinocort® are the most commonly used nasal sprays. There are a variety of side effects, such as headaches, nasal irritation, nosebleeds, and coughing.
• Inhibitors of leukotrienes:- When the body reacts to an allergen, it releases leukotrienes, histamines, and other chemicals that trigger inflammation and hay fever symptoms. The pills block leukotriene and are available only with a prescription. One leukotriene inhibitor is used most commonly: montelukast (Singulair®). Some side effects of this medication are involuntary muscle movements, skin rashes, and mood swings.
• The goal of immunotherapy is to teach your body to tolerate allergens. A small amount of the allergen is injected into your body through injections (allergy shots). As your provider administers shots, the number of allergens increases. Your immune system becomes immune to allergens and ceases to react to them over time.

It is possible that your provider will recommend that you take immunotherapy pills under the tongue.

ACTIONS TO PREVENT

Hay fever: is it preventable?

Hay fever cannot be prevented, but lifestyle changes can help you cope with it. Avoiding irritants as much as possible can relieve Nose Allergy or hay fever symptoms. Symptoms can be reduced by:

• Do not rub your eyes or nose or touch your face.
• Close your windows when pollen counts are high in spring, summer, and early fall.
• Dust mite covers should be used on pillows, mattresses, and box springs.
• Close doors to rooms you don’t want pets to enter, and keep pets off couches and beds.
• Air purifiers and air conditioners can be used to reduce allergens.
• After playing with pets, wash your hands frequently.
• Protect your eyes from pollen with a hat and sunglasses when you’re outside. When you get indoors, change your clothes.

PROGNOSIS / OUTLOOK

• How does hay fever affect people’s lives?

Although hay fever can be uncomfortable, it poses no serious health risks. Over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes are usually enough to manage hay fever symptoms. The risk of ear infections and sinus infections is higher for people with airborne allergies. 

• Hay fever: when should I consult my healthcare provider?

Asthma and other conditions such as nose allergy can cause hay fever, so your doctor should rule them out. Get medical care if you have difficulty sleeping or living an everyday life due to hay fever symptoms. To help you feel better, your provider will be able to identify the allergens causing your reaction and recommend treatments.

• Dr Sheeru Singh‘s conclusions

Nose Allergy or Hay fever sharing can impact your quality of life and keep you from doing the things you love. Medications and lifestyle changes have proven to be effective ways to manage hay fever for millions of adults and children. If you are experiencing symptoms, breathing is complex, or you feel unwell, talk to your healthcare provider about how you can alleviate them.