HAY FEVER (Allergic Rhinitis)

General Information

DEFINITION--An allergic response to airborne allergens that affects the eyes and upper respiratory tract. The name is confusing since hay does not cause an allergic reaction and there is no fever. Attacks flare up in pollen season and disappear when it is over.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Nose; eyes; sinuses; throat; mouth; lungs.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Both sexes; all ages.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Itching, watery eyes.
• Frequent sneezing; stuffy nose with a clear discharge; itching in the roof of the mouth.
• Wheezing (sometimes); burning in the throat.

CAUSES

The body's immune system produces allergic antibodies that release a chemical called histamine, which produces swelling and irrita-tion in sensitive areas (nose, sinuses, eyes). > Airborne allergens causing an allergic sensitivity include:

Pollen from weeds, flowers, grasses, trees. Mold and dust Mites. Tobacco smoke and other air pollutants.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Medical history of allergic reactions, such as eczema or asthma.
• Smoking.
• Spring and autumn (pollen in air).
• Family history of allergies.
• Immunosuppression (due to drugs or illness).

HOW TO PREVENT--Follow suggestions in General Measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory tests such as a blood count and allergy skin tests may be recommended, but are usually not required for diagnosis.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Sleeping difficulty and chronic fatigue.
• Susceptibility to other respiratory infections.
• Ear infections.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Symptoms can be controlled with treatment, but the condition persists over a lifetime. It is usually more troublesome than disabling.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Eliminate as many allergens in your environment as possible. Prepare your bedroom as follows:

• Empty the room of furniture, rugs or carpet, and drapes or curtains.
• Clean the walls, woodwork and floors with a damp mop. Wax the floor.
• Cover the box springs, mattress and pillows with plastic covers.
• Use only rugs that can be washed weekly.
• Use bedclothes that can be washed often, such as cotton sheets, washable mattress pads and synthetic fiber blankets. Don't use chenille bedspreads, quilts or comforters.
• Use wood or plastic chairs.
• Use plastic curtains, if possible. Dust daily.
• Use a vacuum cleaner, damp rags, and a damp or oiled mop to clean the bedroom thoroughly once a week. Other preventive measures:
• Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Don't handle objects that are very dusty, such as books or stored clothing.
• Don't keep stuffed animals or toys around.
• Remove all pets (except fish) from the house.
• Wear a filter face mask during exposure to allergens, including during housecleaning.
• Install an air-purification unit in your home's heating and air-conditioning system.
• Drive an air-conditioned car.
• Have someone else mow the lawn.

MEDICATION--To reduce the body's allergic response, your doctor may prescribe:

• Antihistamines; decongestants; cortisone eye drops or nasal spray; cortisone tablets (severe cases only); cromolyn nasal spray; cromolyn nose drops. These medications relieve symptoms, but they don't cure hay fever.
• Desensitization injections for known allergens for severe or year-round cases. Once allergens are known (through skin or blood tests), small amounts are injected periodically. This helps block the immune system from releasing the histamine. This process may take months or years for effective results.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--Avoid foods that cause allergies.

Call Your Doctor If

• Signs of infection, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or thick, discolored nasal discharge, appear. A sinus infection may be complicating the allergy.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop.