Hay-fever
is the common name for Allergic Rhintitis. The condition is usually triggered
off by inhaling the pollen of certain grasses, trees and weeds which are present
during certain seasons. However, there is also allergic rhintitis which is present
throughout the year, irrespective of seasons, this type of allergic rhintitis
is due to house mites or animal
When the
pollen of the allergies comes in contact with the mucous lining the nose, the
mucous becomes swollen and inflamed and there is production of increased secretion.
Usually in seasonal hay-fever, the condition clears up in two or three weeks
unless secondary infection sets in. However, in perennial allergic rhintitis,
due to the constant presence of the antigen, namely the animal or house mite,
the condition can repeatedly occur during the year resulting in complications
such as nasal polyps and sinusitis.
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Symptoms
Self - Management
New Habits
Symptoms
The usual symptoms are :-
v Watery clear discharge
from the nose
v Blocked
feeling in the nose resulting in difficulty in breathing
v Sneezing
v Redness
and watering from the eyes
v Itching
sensation in the nose and eyes
v If
there is fever, it is important to see a doctor
v Pain
in the ears
v Swelling
of glands in the neck
v Yellowish
discharge from the nose and eyes
v If
the allergic symptoms persist for more than the season, as the doctor can
help you
identify the allergy.
Self-Management
v Minimise
exposure especially if it is seasonal allergic rhinitis during periods where
maximum amount of pollen is floating in the air.
v Whenever
possible, stay in an air-conditioned environment.
v For
itchy red eyes, use a decongest/antihistamine eye drops.
v For
a runny nose, use decongestant nose drops for a day and ak your pharmacist for
antihistaminic medication. Wear
sunglasses on a bright day.
v Exercises
can help clear the nose e.g. swimming in an indoor swimming pool or work-out
in an air-conditioned gymnasium.
v Have
enough sleep as symptoms could be worse if you are tired.
v Read
and follow all the directions on medications.
New Habits
v Avoid
dusty places
v Cover
your nose before doing house cleaning jobs. Use a vacuum cleaner rather than
a
broom which stirs up the dust.
v Consult
your doctor or a pharmacist about the type of medication/sprays you could have
to
prevent an onset or lessen the usual symptoms. E.g. using
Disodium Glicomoglycate sprays before the season.
v Read
ingredients in the medication carefully. Dispose old medication.
v Where
possible avoid the allergy e.g. having pets in the house.
v Avoid
camping or outdoor activities during the hayfever season.
v Avoid
smoking, and smoky environments.
If in doubt
on the persistence of symptoms, consult your doctor.
