It is possible you have all the symptoms of sinus pressure, sneezing, congestion and a runny nose, but you just cannot put a name to it. Most people, especially those already afflicted with these symptoms, recognize the conditions of allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever. There are a lot of myths surrounding hay fever and one of those is that it is only caused by spring flowers and pollen. This is partially true, however, hay fever is so much more. Hay fever can be caused by pet dander, dust mites, pollen, dust and mold in addition to outdoor and indoor allergens. It is also not just seasonal, for some folks have perennial hay fever. If you recognize these symptoms and are curious about the causes, complications, treatments and prevention take a closer look.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms already mentioned include a runny nose and general sinus congestion. Many people also experience an itchy throat and nose, as well as itchiness on the roof of the mouth. You may notice facial pain, general discomfort around the face and a feeling of sinus pressure. A few people experience swollen tissues under the eyes with a slightly blue appearance called allergic shiners. The sense of taste and smell are also usually affected.
Causes
Basically, allergic rhinitis is caused by any number of substances in which the body responds. Our bodies become sensitized to foreign substances, and the immune system begins to identify what are basically harmless airborne substances as harmful. To fight airborne substances, the immune system in the body kicks in and produces antibodies. Antibodies signal the immune system when they recognize these foreign substances and histamine is released into the bloodstream, which creates annoying hay fever symptoms.
If hay fever symptoms are triggered primarily from outdoor allergens such as weeds, grass and tree pollen, you may have more of a seasonal type of hay fever. Other sources can include spores from molds and fungi normally present during warmer weather months. Even though these substances are seasonal, you could still experience long-term reactions during the spring, summer and fall. However, there are also indoor allergens that can affect people all year round. These include mold, pet dander, cockroaches and dust mites.
Problems/Complications
Asthma: Asthma sufferers may notice worsening asthma conditions as a result of hay fever. It can intensify the symptoms of wheezing and coughing. Both hay fever and asthma are closely linked together and many of the same symptoms tend to overlap. Research indicates that 80 percent of the people who have asthma will also suffer from allergic rhinitis. In many cases, research reveals when asthma patients are treated for hay fever their emergency treatments and hospital visits are significantly reduced.
Ear Infections: As a result of irritating pollens, spores and animal dander some people are more prone to ear infections. History shows that some children who have hay fever are more easily affected with otitis media (middle ear infections). In some instances this means a temporary loss of hearing.
Sleep: Although, for some people hay fever is more of a nuisance, others suffer greatly with chronic runny noses, coughing and drainage, which affects sleeping habits. These symptoms can not only keep people awake when they are trying to go to sleep, but they also wake them up from a sound sleep. As a result, people become irritable, tired and suffer from headaches and lack of focus.
Quality of Life: Because every individual handles sickness differently, some are more severely affected by the symptoms and others may only feel minor irritation. Individuals that are severely affected by symptoms may not enjoy activities and may be less productive. This can also lead to missing school or work. For example, when a person lacks sufficient sleep it can greatly influence productivity simply because they feel too tired.
Sinusitis: Basically, sinusitis is most often caused by colds and can be triggered by hay fever. Sinusitis refers to the swelling of nasal mucous linings and swelling in the hollow cavities of bones located around your eyes and behind your nose. Sinus congestion associated with allergic rhinitis usually makes people more susceptible to chronic sinusitis or sinus infections.
Treatments
There are a number of treatments available including prescription drugs and over-the counter products. One product may work exceptionally well for an individual to reduce symptoms and be ineffective for others. Some people eventually get relief when combining a couple of over-the-counter products.
Antihistamines and Decongestants: Decongestants and antihistamines both have anti-inflammatory qualities to reduce nasal swelling. Each can be purchased from drug stores in a nasal spray or taken orally. These offer quick relief for inflamed nasal passages. Side effects can include nervousness with decongestants and drowsiness with antihistamines. Physicians do not recommend the use of decongestants for long periods of time because they can cause the symptoms to increase once medication is stopped.
Prescription Drugs: Some situations may warrant seeing a doctor for prescription drugs such as corticosteroids. This drug is an anti-inflammatory and is fairly effective for treating a number of allergy symptoms. When corticosteroids are taken in a nasal spray form they are safe even after long-term use. Severe cases may require administering oral corticosteroids by prescription. However, oral corticosteroids have several known side effects such as skin conditions, weight fluctuations, cataracts, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and increased blood pressure.
Allergy Shots: People can get immunotherapy or allergy shots through their doctors. The shots basically decrease an individuals sensitivity to common allergens like dust and pollen.
Prevention
It is possible to avoid some of the allergens that trigger hay fever. If you have seasonal triggers such as reactions to tree pollen during the spring or fresh-cut grass, try to stay indoors to reduce symptoms. Avoid outdoor activities when pollen counts are at their highest early in the morning and stay indoors.
Consider getting tested by an allergist to learn which substances are causing the hay fever. This would give you some idea of what to focus on and avoid. To reduce hay fever, avoid known irritants, treat symptoms with over-the-counter products or prescriptions and consider allergy shots.