Hay fever (Allergic rhinitis)

What is Hay Fever?
Also called Allergic Rhinitis, hay fever causes cold-like symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, sneezing).

Myth Buster: Unlike a cold, it is not caused by a virus. It is an allergic reaction to indoor or outdoor allergens like pollen or dust mites. And despite the name, you don't have to be exposed to hay to get it.

Symptoms

Symptoms usually start immediately after exposure to the allergen:

• Runny nose and nasal congestion.
• Watery, itchy, red eyes (Allergic Conjunctivitis).
• Sneezing and coughing.
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth, or throat.
• Allergic Shiners: Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes.

Is it a Cold or Allergies?

Symptom	Hay Fever (Allergies)	Common Cold
Mucus	Thin, watery, clear.	Thick, yellow or green.
Fever	No.	Sometimes (low-grade).
Duration	As long as you are exposed to the allergen (weeks/months).	3-7 days.
Onset	Immediate after exposure.	Gradual (1-3 days).

Triggers

Your immune system mistakes a harmless substance for a threat and releases histamine, causing inflammation.

Seasonal Triggers

• Spring: Tree pollen.
• Summer: Grass pollen.
• Fall: Ragweed pollen.

Year-Round Triggers

• Dust mites and cockroaches.
• Pet dander (skin flakes/saliva from cats or dogs).
• Mold spores (indoor and outdoor).

Diagnosis

If symptoms persist, an allergist can confirm the cause via:

• Skin Prick Test: Tiny amounts of allergens are pricked into your skin. If you are allergic, a raised bump (hive) appears.
• Blood Test (RAST/IgE): Measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream.

Treatment

The best treatment is avoidance, but when you can't avoid pollen, try these:

1. Medications

• Nasal Corticosteroids (Flonase, Nasacort): The most effective treatment for inflammation and congestion. Safe for long-term use.
• Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin, Allegra): Pills that block histamine. Great for sneezing and itching, but less effective for stuffy noses.
• Decongestants (Sudafed): For short-term relief of stuffy noses. Warning: Do not use nasal decongestant sprays (Afrin) for more than 3 days to avoid "rebound congestion."

2. Lifestyle Remedies

• Nasal Irrigation (Neti Pot): Rinsing your nose with saline flushes out pollen and mucus.
• Shower at Night: Wash pollen off your skin and hair before bed.
• Keep Windows Closed: Use AC instead of open windows during high pollen seasons.

3. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)

If meds don't work, shots can help your body build up a tolerance to the allergen over 3-5 years. This is the closest thing to a "cure."

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.