Hay Fever (Allergic Rhinitis): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Hay fever is medically named as allergic rhinitis or nasal allergies, where rhinitis defines inflammation or irritation of the nose. An allergic reaction by the unauthorized entry of allergens, pollens like a small patch, or dust mites and saliva shed by dogs, cats, and other animals pet dander.

Causes of Hay Fever

When the exterior allergens try to enter your body through the airway, the immune system will sense something is unusual and try to destroy it. The name of this process is called a hypersensitivity reaction. The white blood cells in the immune system secrete antibodies for defending against harmful substances. The antibody accumulated on mast cells is named immunoglobulin E (IgE). If the allergen and antibodies interact, they let go of hormones called histamine (mediators). In hay fever, researchers strongly believe that histamines effect on other cells and organs during this process leads to an allergic reaction. Continue reading for getting more details about hay fever:

Symptoms of Hay Fever

The general symptoms that suffer people will be,

• Red, itchy, or watery eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Runny nose
• Coughing and sneezing
• Itchy nose and skin
• Nasal congestion
• Postnasal drip
• Sinus pain and pressure

These symptoms may prolong if you leave them untreated. For better improvement, get nursed at an instant.

How is Hay Fever Diagnosed?

By conducting specific tests, we can distinguish the cause of hay fever and proceed with the treatment accordingly. Skin prick test – with the help of experienced people, the allergy-inducing liquid material is pierced into your skin. You will be kept under surveillance, and as time pass by, if there is any lump arouse near the test area, then they assume you are allergic to it. Allergy blood test – Collect blood samples from the affected person. They use it to evaluate the amount of an allergy-causing antibody named immunoglobin E in your bloodstream. This test is called the radioallergosorbent test (RAST). These procedures may give accurate reports and clarify the dermatologists. Hereafter, treatment will proceed accordingly to minimize the symptoms.

Prevention of Hay Fever

The general preventive measures are particularly needed and are given below:

• Maintain distance to avoid further level of allergies
• Take medicine that your doctor prescribed for emergency cases
• Keep yourself cool

Treatment of Hay Fever

People with rashes can also give a try from following medicines that soothe the skin. Calamine lotion – ease itching and inflammation Antihistamines – lessen the allergy symptoms Allergy immunotherapy – This is a treatment that educates your immune system to stop fighting the allergens by repeatedly pricking them into your body. The person having hay fever may unknowingly stir up other medical issues like hives, contact dermatitis, and atopic dermatitis namely. If you are interested in knowing these issues, we gave detailed information on previous articles. You can surf it for better knowledge.