Hay fever is also known as allergic rhinitis. This occurs when your immune system over-reacts to certain substances you have inhaled like pollen. This condition may either be seasonal or perennial. From the terms themselves, you can gather that the former only happens on a specific season while the latter happens all year-round. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is triggered by outdoor allergens while perennial is caused by indoor allergens. In this article, let’s talk more about seasonal allergies.

Symptoms

Many people initially confuse the symptoms of allergic rhinitis with that of common cold. This is because they manifest the same way, only, allergic rhinitis is not caused by any kind of virus. Instead, it is triggered by an allergen.

Once you breathe-in a certain allergen, your immune system will start working. It will release antibodies into your nasal passages together with inflammatory chemicals like histamines. After which, your nose, sinuses, and eyes may start becoming itchy. Your nose may also become congested.

Experts can’t exactly tell what causes the immune system to over-react to allergens. What’s obvious is that allergic rhinitis can be pretty common. In fact, one in five Americans is affected by it.

While scientists can’t pinpoint the exact reason why the immune system over-reacts, it has been found that people who experience seasonal allergic rhinitis also suffer from asthma. Their triggers may vary and their symptoms may also range from mild to severe.

Other common symptoms of seasonal allergies are:

– Runny nose

– Stuffy nose

– Red, watery, and itchy eyes

– Post-nasal drip

– Itchy ears, mouth, throat, and face

– Swollen eyelids

– Dry cough

– Sore throat

– Headaches

– Facial pains

– Partial loss of smell, taste, and hearing

– Dark circles in the eyes

– Fatigue

Triggers

Seasonal allergies depend on the season as well as the area because allergens are carried by the wind. Some of the most common sources are the following:

– Ragweed – This is probably the most common seasonal allergen which abounds in fall.

– Tree pollen (during spring)

– Grass pollen (sometime between late spring and the entire summer)

– Fungus – This is mold which thrive on dead leaves and is common in summer

While the main cause of the immune system’s over-reaction can’t be pinpointed yet, it has been found that some people are more prone to it than others. For instance, if other members of your family have had seasonal allergies, chances are you can have them too. If you have hypersensitivity to some foods or are suffering from eczema, you may be more prone to the condition too.

Diagnosis

The proper diagnosis of hay fever is only done by a doctor. He or she is expected to first check on your personal and family history of allergies. He or she will also ask when exactly you get the symptoms and whether you’re already taking any medications. After which, he or she will perform a physical examination along with a skin test to find out the allergens you are extra sensitive to.

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Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: seasonal allergies,allergic rhinitis,immune system,hay fever