Hay fever , also known as allergic rhinitis, is characterized by nasal discharge and congestion, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and sinus pressure. The symptoms are often similar to those of the common cold and can be confused with the common cold. However, this disease is not caused by any virus. It is caused by allergic reactions of the body to certain factors such as pollen, dust, animal hair and dandruff.
If individuals experience symptoms outside of seasonal transitions, they may have allergic rhinitis. Allergies can also be experienced against certain factors such as smoke and perfume odors in the air. While this situation can cause negative effects in the person's life, it can also negatively affect performance in business life.
Who Has Hay Fever More Often?
Allergy is a very common type of disease. Environmental factors and genetic predisposition are likely to cause this condition. In some cases, it can be seen all over the body, while sometimes it can be seen in a single part.
This condition, which can be seen in people from all groups, is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 18 and 25. Since the effect of genetic factors is also high, this condition can also be seen in different family members if family history or individuals have experienced this condition and continue to be seen.
What are the Risk Factors for Hay Fever?
There are some risk factors that can trigger this condition. These can be listed as follows:
- Having asthma and allergies in the family history
- Living in places with a lot of animal hair and dust
- Smoking in the home environment
- The impact of parents who smoked during their infancy
- Air pollution
- Being the first child of the family
It is not possible to avoid allergens altogether, but symptoms can be reduced by limiting exposure to them. In addition, people who know which situations trigger allergic reactions can avoid triggering substances more easily.
When Allergic to Pollen or Molds;
- It is necessary to stay away from pollen and avoid going outside as much as possible in the spring and fall months when pollen is more common.
- Clothes should not be hung in areas exposed to pollen
- Avoid opening windows in the car or at home
- Since there may be much more pollen in the morning hours, some outdoor activities should be suspended
- Do not go outside when it is dry and windy
- A dust mask should definitely be used during house cleaning
- People should stay away from plants and flowers in the home as they may contain mold
- Maintenance and repair of damp areas in the home environment should be done
Allergy to dust mites;
- Bed linen should be chosen to be effective against allergies
- Sheets and blankets should be washed
- Aspirator should be turned on while cooking
- Laundry should be dried on the balcony, not indoors
When Allergy to Animal Hair is Found;
- Feeding animals in the garden instead of keeping and feeding them at home
- People who want to keep their pets at home should wash their pets once every 3 days.
What are the Complications of Hay Fever?
Decreased Quality of Life: While it may prevent the person from enjoying some physical activities that the person will do and continue, it may cause productivity problems.
Sleep Problems: It causes difficulty in sleeping and can cause the person to be sluggish and unhappy during the day and fatigue may persist.
Increased Asthma Symptoms: It is a risky condition for asthma patients. In cases where asthma is seen in a person with asthma, asthma effects may increase.
Sinusitis: It can cause blockage of the sinus and infection of the membrane around it.
Ear Inflammation: It can cause middle ear inflammation in some people.
What are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
In individuals; It can cause runny nose and blockage, watery eyes and itching, sneezing and coughing attacks, some problems such as nasal discharge, weakness, fatigue, swelling under the eyes and itchy throat. It can occur or progress at a certain time of the year. There are a number of allergic factors that cause this condition.
What are the Diagnostic Methods for Hay Fever?
After the symptoms and complaints appear, the person should see a doctor and the disease should be treated.
After a physical examination of the person who sees a doctor in case of symptoms and complaints, the history of the disease is listened to and some tests may be requested. These tests are skin and blood tests.
In the skin test, a small amount of allergenic substance that may reveal allergy is applied to the person and monitored. If allergy is observed in the contact area, blistering occurs.
In the blood test, a blood sample is taken and analyzed to determine the reaction of this system to allergens depending on the immune system.
What are Hay Fever Treatment Methods?
It is very important to stay away from allergenic factors that cause these conditions. In cases where it is not severe, some symptom-relieving medications can be given on the advice of a doctor as a treatment and may be good for this condition.
In severe cases, some medications can be given according to the doctor's advice and doctor's prescription. In addition, a doctor should be consulted and examined for the treatment of this condition in children.
Medicines to be used for this disease should be used on doctor's recommendation. Some medicines are not suitable for children. Treatment methods other than medication are as follows:
Allergy shots (immunotherapy): If medication does not relieve symptoms or if there are many side effects, the doctor may recommend the use of vaccines. It is a method that can reduce the need for medication in the future.
Immunotherapy Treatment: It can be effective for people allergic to animal dander, dust or pollen. It is useful in preventing asthma in children.
Allergy Tablets: There are some tablets that can be taken orally for people who do not want to be vaccinated.
Sinus Cleansing: Washing the nasal passages is a very fast and effective method of congestion.
People with this disease should be examined by specialist doctors and treated by identifying the factors that cause allergic conditions. When left untreated, it can cause nasal congestion, snoring, attention deficit in children, and problems such as depression and anxiety in adults.