Seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis comprises upper-respiratory reactions caused by common substances you inhale naturally. These substances occur in both the indoor and outdoor environment, and they include things such as pet dander, mold, dust, smoke, and exhaust fumes.
While hay fever most often becomes bothersome in the spring, you may experience symptoms throughout the year depending on your allergic triggers.
"Approximately 8% of Greeks – both adults and children – struggle with allergic rhinitis, producing inflammation in the nose, throat, skin, eyes, and lungs"
says Dr. Koutsioumaris, Kalika Med Care Director of General Medicine.
Your seasonal allergies may cause symptoms such as:
- A runny, congested nose
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Dark circles under your eyes
- Fatigue
- Itchy skin, ears, and throat
- Sinus congestion
- Headache
While you may feel as though you have a cold or flu, your hay fever is not caused by bacteria or a virus. Rather, your immune system activates the release of histamines and other chemicals – which naturally occur in your body to fight infection, but the body mistakenly interprets the allergen as a foreign invader.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
As Kalika Med Care’s Dr. Koutsioumaris states, your allergy treatment plan will include medication for relief of immediate and ongoing symptoms. It’s important to take your prescribed medications as your GP directs.
Medications for allergic rhinitis include the following:
1. Antihistamines
These medications block the release of histamine in your bloodstream. Examples are Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra.
2. Decongestants
Medications such as Afran and Sudafed help to relieve the nasal and sinus stuffiness which is typical of hay fever.
3. Corticosteroids
These medications reduce the inflammatory response in the nose, sinuses, and other areas of the body. A popular choice is Flonase.
4. Leukotriene Inhibitors
Taken in pill form, a leukotriene inhibitor such as Singular reduces chemicals which narrow the airways during exposure to allergens.
5. Immunotherapy
Allergy shots or sublingual (under-the-tongue) drops can introduce your body to small amounts of problematic allergens, with the purpose of gradually reducing your sensitivity to them.
Prevention Is Important
If you have hay fever, keep track of when your symptoms occur and what worsens them. Your allergic rhinitis doctor may advise you to do the following:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Keep your hands away from your nose and eyes
- Close your windows and stay inside as much as possible on high-pollen-count days
- Change your clothes after working outdoors
- Shower and wash your hair every day
- Keep all pets out of your bedroom and off of the furniture
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