What Is Allergic Rhinitis? Hay Fever Explained

Spring is the season of fair weather, blooming flowers, and new growth everywhere. However, for people with allergies, it’s also the season of sneezin’. Here’s what you need to know about allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. But what is hay fever?

This may come as a surprise, but hay fever doesn’t necessarily involve hay.

The first recorded use of the term “hay fever” comes from 19th-century physician John Bostock. He noted that “summer catarrh,” a general malaise accompanied by respiratory symptoms like sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and difficulty breathing, was exacerbated by airborne particulate matter generated when hay was cut and baled.

Of course, you don’t have to be around hay to experience hay fever.

Hay fever, clinically known as allergic rhinitis, is a common respiratory disorder affecting the nasal passages. It is triggered by an immune overresponse to allergens, including pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or certain chemicals. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, postnasal drip, itchy eyes, and itchy nose. These symptoms typically worsen during the spring and fall when allergens are prevalent in the air.

Allergic rhinitis is a chronic condition that affects approximately 30% of the population worldwide. It is more common in individuals with a family history of allergies or asthma. Although it can occur at any age, it often begins in childhood.

An allergy test and medical history are generally used to diagnose allergic rhinitis. Allergy tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, can help determine which specific allergens trigger the allergic reaction.

Treatment for allergic rhinitis may include lifestyle changes, such as staying indoors during peak allergy season and using air filters at home. Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids are commonly used medications to relieve symptoms. Additionally, immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended in some cases to reduce allergy symptoms over time.

Allergic rhinitis can impair a person’s quality of life. It can cause fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment options.

What Causes Hay Fever?

Allergic rhinitis is caused by the immune system’s overreaction to allergens, though the cause of the disordered immune reaction has not been established. When people with allergic rhinitis are exposed to an allergen, their body releases histamine and other chemicals, leading to inflammation in the nasal passages. This inflammation causes sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itching.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include the following:

• Sneezing: Sneezing is the most common symptom and occurs as a response to the allergen entering the nasal passages.
• Runny nose: The nasal passages become congested and runny, causing postnasal drip and discomfort.
• Itching: The nose, eyes, and the roof of the mouth often itch due to the release of histamine.
• Congestion: The nasal passages may become swollen and blocked, making breathing difficult.
• Watery eyes: The eyes may become watery and red due to irritation and swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane that covers the whites of the eyes.
• Ear congestion: The Eustachian tube, which connects the ears to the nose, may become blocked, leading to ear congestion and discomfort.

How is Hay Fever Treated?

The treatment of allergic rhinitis aims to relieve symptoms and prevent allergic reactions. Common treatment options include the following:

• Over-the-counter medications: Antihistamines can help block the release of histamine and alleviate symptoms.
• Nasal corticosteroids: These medications reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, relieving congestion.
• Humidifiers: Dry indoor air can exacerbate symptoms, so using a humidifier can help improve nasal comfort.
• Allergy immunotherapy: Allergy shots or tablets can reduce the body’s response to specific allergens over time.

How Can I Prevent Hay Fever?

While allergic rhinitis has no cure, certain measures can help reduce symptoms and allergy flare-ups. Some preventive measures include:

• Staying indoors: During peak pollen seasons, staying indoors can help reduce exposure to allergens.
• Using air filters: Installing air filters at home and in the car can help trap allergens.
• Wear a mask: When outside during high pollen seasons, wearing a mask can filter out allergens.
• Regular handwashing: Washing hands regularly can help prevent the spread of allergens.
• Regular vacuuming: Cleaning and vacuuming regularly can help remove allergens from carpets and upholstery.

Why You Should Visit an Allergist to Manage Hay Fever

While allergic rhinitis might only be a seasonal annoyance, unmanaged allergies can lead to serious medical consequences. People with untreated allergies are at a heightened risk of the following complications:

Asthma

While a seasonal runny nose and watery eyes might not seem to merit medical intervention, it is nonetheless important to keep symptoms in check if you have a family history of asthma.

Unmanaged allergies have been associated with the onset of asthma symptoms in people who were previously undiagnosed with asthma. Moreover, allergic rhinitis can intensify asthma symptoms in people who already have asthma.

Sleep Disorders

Continual nasal congestion, sneezing, and eye irritation can cause disrupted sleep, leading to fatigue, depressed mood, and difficulty concentrating. Over time, disrupted sleep patterns can interfere with job performance, make driving dangerous, and even negatively impact overall health.

Ear Congestion

One of the common symptoms of allergic rhinitis is congestion and plugging of the ears. When the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed due to allergens, the Eustachian tube, which connects the ears to the nose, becomes swollen and blocked. This congestion can make it difficult to equalize the pressure between the ears and the inner ear, leading to symptoms such as earaches, popping sounds, and temporary hearing loss.

Ear Infection

Allergic rhinitis can also contribute to the development of ear infections. As a result of prolonged congestion, bacteria or viruses can easily enter the middle ear, leading to an infection known as otitis media. Ear infections can be extremely uncomfortable and might require antibiotic medication to treat.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another possible side effect of allergic rhinitis. Allergy-related inflammation can lead to changes in the inner ear, contributing to tinnitus symptoms.

Labyrinthitis

In rare cases, allergic rhinitis can cause inflammation of the inner ear, resulting in labyrinthitis. The labyrinth is the part of your ear that contains the organ of balance and the cochlea, responsible for hearing. Inflammation of the labyrinth can cause dizziness, nausea, and hearing loss.

At Allergy Partners, we offer comprehensive treatments and management plans for allergic rhinitis, helping patients achieve long-term symptom relief. If you have concerns about hay fever season, don’t hesitate to seek allergy treatment today.