Hay Fever Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

What is hay fever?

Allergic rhinitis or hay fever triggers cold-like symptoms for example itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus pressure, sneezing and congestion. However, unlike the cold, the condition is not basically caused due to a virus rather it is caused because of the allergic response to the indoor and outdoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites or pollen.

The condition can turn problematic affecting your day to day activities and work performance. Finding the suitable treatment and avoiding the triggers after identifying can make a great difference.

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

After exposing to the particular allergen (the substance that cause you allergy) the symptoms of hay fever mostly start immediately. Few of which include:

Nasal congestion.
Runny nose.
Blocked nose.
Itchy or watery eyes.
Cough.
Sneezing.
Sinus pressure.
Itchy throat, mouth roof or nose.
Blue-colored, swollen skin under your eyes.

The symptoms of hay fever can begin or get worse particularly at a time in a year, actually triggered by grasses, tree pollen or weeds all that grow in different periods of the year. In case of being sensitive to certain indoor allergens for example pet dander, mold, cockroaches or dust mites, the individual is more likely to experience the symptoms all through the year. Many individuals tend to experience allergy symptoms throughout the year, though their symptoms turn worse in specific periods of the year.

What causes hay fever?

In a process known as sensitization, the immune system of a body wrongly indentifies a safe substance as something ‘dangerous’. It begins making antibodies to that safe substance. In case of exposing that specific substance in the future, such antibodies identify it whilst signal the immune system for releasing chemicals (histamine) into the bloodstream. Consequently, these chemicals tend to trigger reaction which leads to the symptoms of hay fever.

What are the complications of hay fever?

Certain problems linked with the condition include:

Poor sleep.
Reduced quality of life.
Ear infection.
Sinusitis.
Worsening asthma.

How is hay fever diagnosed?

You are more likely to detail your family and personal medical history, symptoms and its treating ways when you visit the doctor due to the concern. The doctor can suggest you a single or both the below mentioned tests:

Allergy blood test.
Skin prick test.

How is hay fever treated?

The best possible treatment for hay fever is avoiding the allergen that causes the condition. Of course, that may not be always possible, thus, in case the symptoms are mild, over the counter drug can help ease the symptoms, however for some severe symptoms; you would indeed require prescribed medications. Have a look to few mentioned drug used to treat hay fever.