Your guide to surviving allergic rhinitis

It's that time of year when hay fever rears its ugly head

It has often been said that the human sense of smell is better in spring and summer because of the additional moisture in the air. However, for many among us Spring is allergy season!

Hay fever or allergic rhinitis affects approximately 20 percent of people, and as Spring draws near and the pollen count rises, we look at what allergy sufferers can do to better manage their allergies over the next couple of warmer months.

While hay fever is referred to as seasonal rhinitis and is a common allergic reaction that occurs at particular times of the year, many people suffer from perennial (year round) allergic rhinitis, both forms however share similar symptoms.

What is allergic rhinitis?

Rhinitis can be described as inflammation of the nasal passages. Some of the symptoms resulting from this inflammation include nasal congestion, sneezing, itchiness and a runny nose. For many people rhinitis is a lifelong condition that repeatedly comes and goes throughout their lifetime.

Causes of allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is triggered by small airborne particles that irritate and inflame the nasal passages. This causes the body to make allergic antibodies to certain substances, such as pollen, house dust mites or mould all of which are common allergens.

Instances of allergic rhinitis are much higher in people with asthma or eczema and those that have a family history of rhinitis.

Grass pollen is the most common allergen, but tree and weed pollens can also cause the allergic reaction we know as hay fever. In perennial allergic rhinitis the symptoms continue all year round and are usually linked to indoor allergens, such as house dust mites, pets, insects, or moulds.

Managing allergic rhinitis

Fortunately, there are measures and medications available to reduce the symptoms of rhinitis:

Step 1: Identify the allergen
While many allergy sufferers dread the summer season, it is not just pollen that can trigger an allergic reaction. It is therefore important to first pinpoint what triggers your allergies before you can take steps to ensure you minimise your contact with the relevant trigger/s.

Step 2: Reduce your exposure to triggers
Once you have identified your triggers you then need to take steps to reduce your exposure to those particular allergens.  Other tips to assist in managing hay fever in particular include:

• Monitoring pollen forecasts staying indoors wherever possible when the count is high (generally on warmer, dry days). Rain, washes pollen from the air so counts should be lower on cooler, wet days.
• On high pollen days, shower and wash your hair after arriving home and change your clothing.
• Avoid drying washing on a clothesline outside when pollen counts are high.

Step 3: Use antihistamines to manage the symptoms
Saline sprays and various antihistamines can do much to alleviate the often, debilitating symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. Ask your pharmacist about the best treatment options available to you.

References:
www.allergyuk.org