Nasal allergy – Hay fever – Seasonal allergies

Description hay fever

Nasal allergy – a set of symptoms, caused by the inhalation of substances, allergenic. These substances are called allergens.

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis (sometimes it is called hay fever or rose fever) – It occurs at the time of the year, When an allergen in the air, basically spring, summer and fall. The most common allergens are trees, or grass pollen.
• Long-term (permanent) nasal allergy – caused by allergens, which may be in the air all year round. They include – chemical substances, dust, pыlevыe pliers, Cockroaches, animal dander, and mold spores. Symptoms may be present at any time of the year.

Causes

An allergic reaction occurs, when the body's immune system overreacts to an allergen. If inhaled allergen, cells in the nasal passages produce substances, nazyvayemoye histamine. Histamine causes itching in the nose, and also causes swelling and mucus production in the nasal passages.

Risk factors

Factors, which increases the risk of hay fever:

• The presence of family members, allergic rhinitis, eczema or asthma;
• Eczema;
• Asthma;
• Alimentary allergy.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis can cause the following symptoms:

• Sneezing;
• Itchy nose, eyes, throat, ears;
• Red, watery eyes;
• Cold, nasal congestion;
• The pressure in the maxillary sinuses;
• Cough;
• Headache;
• Dark circles under the eyes.

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis

The doctor may refer the patient to an allergist or immunologist. This doctor, who specializes in allergies.

Tests may include:

Skin prick test

A tiny amount of allergen is injected under the skin with a needle. The doctor watches, what substance causes an allergic reaction – itch, redness. This analysis can be done for multiple allergens at the same time.

Radioallergosorbent test (RAST test)

A blood sample is taken and tested for different allergens.

Provokatsionnaya sample

The subject inhaled air, containing the allergen. The doctor watches, Will there be an allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. This test, usually, performed, when there is no unambiguous results of previous tests.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

The most effective way to treat allergies is to avoid allergens. Since it may sometimes be difficult or impossible, use other remedies.

Medications

• Corticosteroids, nasal sprays, that reduce the swelling of the nasal passages;
• Inhibitors of mast cells – nasal sprays, that inhibit chemical reactions, leading to the development of histamine;
• Antihistamines – block the action of histamine, usually taken as a pill or syrup;
• Decongestants – reduce swelling, narrowing the blood vessels. In pill form or in the form of a nasal spray.

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) and sublingvalynaya therapy

When immunotherapy, a small amount of allergen is introduced into the body for weeks, months or even years. The goal is, body's immune system to become less sensitive to allergens.

Other, a similar type of treatment called sublingual immunotherapy. It involves placing small amounts of allergens under the tongue. This treatment is popular in Europe. Although this technique showed a reduction of allergy symptoms in some studies, to clarify more research is needed.

Prevention of allergic rhinitis

To prevent allergic rhinitis must:

• It is advisable to stay indoors during the morning hours, when the pollen count is highest;
• Avoid being on the street, when the flowers, trees, grass bloom;
• Keep home and car windows closed, to pollen does not get inside;
• It is necessary to use air conditioning, to reduce indoor humidity and to prevent the growth of mold and fungi;
• Use vacuum cleaners and air conditioners with filters, picks allergens;
• Regularly vacuum the cushions, coverings and mattresses, to dust mites;
• Use in the interior of the dust-collecting items less, such as curtains, bedspreads, carpets, and stuffed animals, especially in the bedroom;
• If there is a pet, regularly clean and wash it.