Hay fever, clinically known as allergic rhinitis, is a common ailment affecting 1 in 5 people in Australia. It refers to a response triggered when allergens, which you are sensitive to affect your eyes or nose. Allergens can include pollens, dust mites, animal fur, moulds, or other substances. For some individuals, exposure to these allergens can initiate an immune response that leads to inflammation and swelling in the nasal lining. Let’s explore its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies that can help alleviate its impact.
Difference between hay fever and cold
Hay fever and the common cold are two conditions that exhibit comparable symptoms including runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing, but they are caused by different factors and have distinct characteristics. Understanding the differences between them is essential for effective management and treatment.1. Causes:
- Hay fever: Hay fever is caused by an immune reaction to airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mould. Inhaling these allergens triggers an overreaction of the immune system, leading to swelling in the nasal passages and eyes.
- Cold: The common cold is caused by viral infections. The virus spreads through direct contact with contaminated people or surfaces and through airborne droplets.
2. Symptoms:
- Hay fever: Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, runny nose, watery or itchy eyes, itchy throat, and fatigue.
- Cold: Symptoms of the common cold include runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, body ache, and mild fever.
3. Onset and duration:
- Hay fever: Symptoms of hay fever typically appear shortly after allergens contact and may continue if the exposure persists. They usually follow a predictable pattern based on the pollen season or other allergen presence.
- Cold: Symptoms of the common cold generally manifest gradually, starting with a sore throat and developing into a runny nose and cough. A cold usually lasts about a week to 10 days, with symptoms peaking within the first few days.
What triggers hay fever?
Hay fever is triggered by exposure to specific allergens that cause an allergic reaction. The most common triggers include:- Grass, weeds, and tree pollen
- Dust mites
- Moulds and fungal pores
- Pet dander or animal skin flakes
- Air pollutants
- Latex
Does hay fever go away on its own?
Hay fever generally does not go away on its own; it usually lasts as long as the person is exposed to the triggering allergens. However, the severity and the frequency of symptoms may differ. Some people may find seasonal relief during seasons when their specific allergens are not present. For those who suffer from perennial hay fever (year-round allergies), symptoms may persist unless addressed with proper therapies or measures.How to stop hay fever?
Stopping hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, involves a combination of preventive measures and treatments to manage and alleviate symptoms. Here’s a comprehensive approach to tackling hay fever:Avoid allergens:
One of the most effective strategies to treat hay fever is to reduce your exposure to allergens. This includes monitoring local pollen predictions and restricting outdoor activities when pollen counts are high, usually early in the morning and late in the afternoon. To keep pollen out of your house, keep windows closed during peak pollen seasons and use air conditioning with clean filters. After spending time outside, change your clothes and take a shower to get pollen off your skin and hair. High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters and frequent vacuuming can also help lower indoor allergen levels.Medications:
Several medications are available to help relieve hay fever symptoms. Antihistamines are often used to treat sneezing, itching, and runny noses by inhibiting histamine, a substance implicated in allergic responses. Nasal corticosteroids are excellent in reducing inflammation and managing nasal congestion, and they are available both over the counter and on prescription. Decongestants can temporarily relieve nasal congestion, but they should be taken with caution. For more chronic symptoms, leukotriene receptor antagonists can be used to inhibit the substances that trigger allergic responses.Immunotherapy:
Immunotherapy, sometimes known as allergy injections, can provide long-term relief for hay fever. This therapy entails a series of injections containing tiny doses of allergens, which progressively desensitises the immune system over time. Although this therapy demands a commitment of months to years, it can give considerable and long-term relief from allergy symptoms by treating the underlying source.Natural and home remedies:
In addition to traditional medical treatments, certain natural and home remedies may alleviate symptoms. A saline nasal rinse can help remove pollen and other allergens from your nasal passages, bringing some relief. Some people believe that local honey can help them develop tolerance to local pollen, while scientific evidence is sparse. Drinking herbal teas, such as ginger or peppermint tea, can also help with inflammation and offer a soothing effect.Lifestyle adjustments:
Making some lifestyle changes can also help control hay fever. For example, routine cleaning and grooming can stop your pets from bringing pollen into your house. Stress can increase allergy symptoms, so adding stress-relieving methods such as yoga or meditation might help. Furthermore, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables improves general immune function and may aid in the management of allergy symptoms.Let Hola handle your hay fever symptoms
Allow Hola Health to manage your hay fever symptoms effortlessly and conveniently through our all-inclusive telehealth services.- Telehealth Appointment: Consult with our medical professionals from the ease of your home. Skip the hassle of travelling and long wait times as our professionals offer tailored advice, diagnosis, and treatment for your hay fever.
- Instant Scripts: Quickly receive online prescriptions from a registered healthcare provider without leaving your house. We simplify hay fever management by delivering the necessary medications you need directly to your door.
- Get Medical Certificates: If you need time off from work, school, or university due to severe hay fever, obtain a medical certificate online from AHPRA-registered practitioners in just minutes, simplifying your health-related leave.
- Specialist Referrals: Get online referrals to allergy specialists efficiently, avoiding unnecessary trips and ensuring you receive the expert care needed to manage your hay fever effectively.
- Online Pharmacy Delivery: Arrange for your medicine to be delivered or opt for same-day pharmacy delivery with Hola. This service ensures you get treatment for your hay fever without exposing yourself to additional risks.
In conclusion
While hay fever can be challenging to manage, a blend of preventive measures, treatments, and lifestyle changes can greatly enhance one’s quality of life. By recognising the condition, avoiding triggers, and employing effective treatments, individuals can manage hay fever and reduce its impact on daily activities.
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Disclaimer
This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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