Avoid confusion and learn in detail about what is hay fever from top doctors in Arizona
Hay fever is an allergic response of the ENT system to outdoor allergens. The most common allergens are pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis. It causes flu-like symptoms. It is not a life-threatening disease but can be quite a nuisance to deal with.
An allergy is the immune system’s reaction to a foreign substance. The body perceives the substance as a threat and goes into overdrive. There is usually no treatment for hay fever, but taking precautionary measures on time can help you a lot.
Thus it is important to know what triggers an allergic reaction in a person to be better prepared to deal with it.
Allergic rhinitis can be divided into two categories:
Seasonal: this type of hay fever allergy occurs during spring and summer when the pollen count becomes excessively high. People who suffer from seasonal hay fever remain safe during winters.
Perennial: Unlike a seasonal allergy, some people suffer from allergic rhinitis throughout the year. This is called perennial allergic rhinitis. This type of nasal allergy is caused due to pet hair, mold, and dust mites.
Now that we know what are the triggers for hay fever, let us take a look at the symptoms displayed by a person who is suffering from it.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 18 million Americans suffer from hay fever. The following symptoms are generally associated with hay fever:
Itchiness in the throat or roof of the mouth
Nasal congestion and difficulty in breathing
Runny nose
Constant sneezing
Itchy and watery eyes
Postnasal drip
Itchy nose and skin
Pressure in the sinus
Fatigue
Most of these symptoms are similar to the common cold. However, unlike the cold, fever is not caused by allergic rhinitis.
Treatment and Management of Hay Fever
There is no permanent cure for hay fever. Therefore, the first line of defense against allergic rhinitis is to avoid exposure to allergens that cause an allergic reaction in the first place. Let us take a look at some precautionary measures that can help prevent hay fever.
Prevention Through Limiting Outdoor Exposure
Experts recommend staying indoors as much as possible during the hay fever season. Extra precaution needs to be taken on windy days as the pollen count is usually high on these days.
Wear a mask and sunglasses for the protection of eyes when outdoors.
Don’t use window fans or room coolers which draw outside air indoors.
Avoid air drying your clothes. Pollen and molds can stick on the wet clothes and you can get exposed to them through the clothes.
Prevention Through Limiting Indoor Exposure
Clean your air conditioning unit prior to the hay fever season. Keep the windows close and use air conditioning in your home and car.
Mites and pollen get stuck on linen and bedding. Wash your bedsheets and covers every 10-12 days in hot water. You can also use mite-proof pillowcases, duvets, and other bedding covers.
Use a vaseline around the nose as it catches pollen and prevents them from getting into your nose.
Shower immediately and change clothes after you have been outdoors.
Vacuum your home regularly. Dust off the surfaces with a slightly wet cloth to trap the pollen.
Place pollen filters at the air vents and buy a HEPA filter for your vacuum cleaner to help fight back hay fever.
If you are suffering from hay fever, visit Optimedicalaz. We have multiple clinics in Arizona state. Visit the locations page to find a clinic near you.
