Allergic Rhinitis
Hay Fever
Allergic Rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, induces symptoms akin to those of a cold, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. However, unlike a cold, hay fever stems from an allergic reaction to typically harmless outdoor or indoor substances that the body misidentifies as threats (allergens).
Pollen and dust mites are among the prevalent allergens capable of triggering hay fever symptoms. Additionally, pet dander—tiny skin flakes shed by animals with fur or feathers—can serve as allergens.
Apart from causing discomfort, hay fever can impede performance at work or school and generally disrupt daily life. Nonetheless, managing symptoms is feasible by learning to evade triggers and finding appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hay fever encompass:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Irritated, watery, reddened eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itching of the nose, roof of the mouth, or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Swollen, darkened skin beneath the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Pronounced fatigue, often due to disrupted sleep
Hay Fever Triggers
The signs and symptoms of hay fever may manifest year-round or emerge or exacerbate during specific seasons.
Common hay fever triggers comprise:
- Tree pollen, prevalent in early spring
- Grass pollen, widespread in late spring and summer
- Ragweed pollen, abundant in fall
- Dust mites and cockroach droppings, persisting year-round
- Pet dander, potentially aggravating year-round but potentially worsening in winter when homes are sealed
- Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds, with seasonal and year-round prevalence
Hay Fever or Common Cold?
The resemblance in symptoms makes distinguishing between hay fever and a common cold challenging.
Condition Symptoms Onset Duration
Hay fever Runny nose with thin, watery discharge; no fever Immediately after allergen exposure As long as allergen exposure continues
Common cold Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge; body aches; low-grade fever 1 to 3 days post-exposure to cold virus 3 to 7 days
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- Relief from hay fever symptoms remains elusive
- Allergy medications fail to alleviate symptoms or induce bothersome side effects
- Concurrent conditions exacerbate hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma, or frequent sinus infections
Many individuals, especially children, may grow accustomed to hay fever symptoms, delaying treatment until symptoms become severe. However, timely intervention can provide relief.
Causes
In hay fever, your immune system perceives an otherwise harmless airborne substance as a threat, known as an allergen. As the body's defense mechanism, the immune system generates immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to combat this allergen. Upon subsequent exposure to the allergen, these antibodies prompt the immune system to release chemicals like histamine into the bloodstream, triggering a reaction that manifests as hay fever symptoms.
Risk Factors
Several factors can heighten the likelihood of developing hay fever:
- Presence of other allergies or asthma
- Diagnosis of atopic dermatitis or eczema, which causes skin irritation and itchiness
- Family history of allergies or asthma, with a blood relative (e.g., parent or sibling) affected
- Residing or working in an environment with persistent allergen exposure, such as animal dander or dust mites
- Exposure to smoke and strong odors that irritate the nasal lining
- Maternal smoking during the individual's infancy
Complications
Hay fever may be accompanied by various complications:
- Diminished quality of life: Symptoms of hay fever can disrupt daily activities and reduce productivity, often resulting in absenteeism from work or school.
- Sleep disturbances: Hay fever symptoms can interfere with sleep initiation or maintenance, leading to fatigue and a general sense of malaise.
- Exacerbation of asthma: Hay fever can exacerbate asthma symptoms, including coughing and wheezing.
- Sinusitis: Prolonged nasal congestion due to hay fever may elevate the risk of sinusitis—an infection or inflammation of the sinus membrane.
- Ear infections: In children, hay fever frequently contributes to middle ear infections (otitis media).
Prevention
Although hay fever cannot be entirely prevented, minimizing exposure to allergens triggering symptoms is advisable. Taking allergy medications as prescribed by a healthcare professional before allergen exposure can help alleviate symptoms.
