Hayfever and allergic rhinitis can lead to distress to millions of people globally. In the U.S. it’s estimated that as many as 30 million people suffer from such medical condition. My article explores these conditions in detail and lists the key treatments currently available. What’s hay fever and allergic rhinitis?
Immune system
They’re a disease of the immune system in which the body responds to harmless substances in the environment like dust, pollen, mould, danders and meals. Allergy producing substances are called allergens. What causes hay fever and allergic rhinitis? Allergens cause the activation of a particular sort of antibody called IgE. This antibody activates the release of certain substances from cells in your nose, throat and eyes like histamine, leading to an extreme inflammatory reaction and the related allergy symptoms.
What are the signs?
Hay fever and allergic rhinitis are the most frequent types of allergic diseases. What are the kinds of treatment available? OTC anti-inflammatories – Nurofen etc. can relieve pain and inflammation, however they can cause unwanted side effects. They aren’t particularly helpful for allergies because they do not reduce histamine production. OTC decongestants – OTC decongestants can take the form of pills, liquids or nasal sprays. Examples of them are Vicks Sinex and Sudafed. These aren’t really acceptable for allergies since they shouldn’t be used for a long time period. Steroid nasal sprays – Flixonase is helpful for allergy sufferers because it can decrease nasal congestion etc. by decreasing inflammation. It can nevertheless cause side effects.
OTC anti-histamines – Clarytin etc. may be employed to decrease histamine production and then allergy symptoms ie. They can lead to drowsiness and other side effects. Naturally formulated nasal sprays – SinuSoothe includes natural ingredients that reduce inflammation and the associated symptoms. Additionally, it comprises an anti-histamine and decongestant therefore it may relieve a runny nose, nasal congestion etc.. This can be used daily for an indefinite time period. Nasal irrigation and saline nasal sprays –
Nasal irrigation
Nasal irrigation and saline nasal sprays like Sterimar can alleviate nasal congestion and eliminate allergens trapped in the nasal cavities. The two kinds of solution which may be utilized are isotonic or hypertonic. Isotonic solutions have a similar salt content to the body whereas hypertonic solutions contain more salt. It’s believed that hypertonic solution are better at reducing inflammation.
Steroid pills
If you have severe allergies which are seriously interfering with your life (like at test times), very rarely your physician may prescribe you a brief course of steroid tablets. They can however cause unwanted effects. Natural anti-histamines – Butterbur has been demonstrated to be equally as powerful as OTC anti-histamines. Quercetin is another exceptional natural anti-histamine. Unlike OTC anti-histamines you will find very littles side effects.
Sprays
Anti-histamine nasal sprays – Astelin and NasalCrom can decrease the quantity of histamine produced from the nasal tissues, therefore they may be effective at reducing nasal symptoms. They can however cause unwanted effects. Reduce inflammation naturally – Various nutritional supplements like ginger, garlic, omega oils, serrapeptase etc. can help decrease inflammation naturally and relieve allergies.
Pollen barriers
Pollen barriers like petroleum jelly or particular barrier gel within the uterus can capture pollen before it enters the nasal passages thereby relieving hay fever symptoms. Eye drops – If you suffer from sore or itchy eyes, eye drops which contain anti-histamines or sodium cromoglicate can help.
Eye drops
Natural eye drops are also available. Red light phototherapy – This involves adding two thin red light probes into your nostrils. The light reduces inflammation. Immunotherapy – This can be a last choice. Very little amounts of the allergen you’re allergic to is injected into your own body or ingested in a pill form, to slowly desensitise your immune system to the allergen. You’ve got to be referred to an allergy clinic to be able to obtain this treatment. Keeping doors and windows closed when the pollen count is high.
Staying away from areas where there’s more pollen like grass parks, particularly in the early morning, late afternoon and evening when the pollen count is highest. Wearing wrap around sunglasses to keep pollen out of your eyes. Taking a shower and washing your hair after going outside when the pollen count is high. Not drying washing outdoors if pollen counts are high – pollen can get trapped in the fibers of clothing and bed linen. The only way to prevent allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that triggers it, so allergy testing is crucial to identify the specific indoor allergen which provokes the allergy. House dust mite eradication will help if particular attention is paid to the bedroom.
Synthetic duvets and pillows are better than feather fills. Old mattresses harbour up to 10,000 dust mites, so use mite impermeable barrier mattress covers. Wash pillow covers and cases at 60 degrees centigrade. Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter. Choose hardwood and laminate floors, not heavy pile carpets. Discourage soft toys and clutter.
Regularly air the bedroom to decrease humidity. For acute pet allergies, unfortunately it is ideal to remove the pet from the home permanently. Cat Behavior spreads in the air throughout the house, even if the cat is confined to certain locations. Although short haired and female pets take less dander in their fur, any furry pets may cause allergies such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and mice.
Final note
For food allergies it’s quite simply a case of removing the specific food causing the allergy from the daily diet. For allergies due to mould and/or fungus, any indications of these in your house environment should be entirely removed. Like all medical conditions you should always consult your physician before undertaking new remedies.