How Seasonal Changes Affect Allergic Rhinitis
Blooming flowers and fresh buds are an indication that spring has arrived. But for some, these blooms are also a sign that allergens are at an all-time high. And that means sniffling, sneezing, and runny eyes. If you're one of the millions of people who have seasonal allergic rhinitis, read on to know what you can do to be prepared.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR)
SAR, also known as hay fever, is an inflammatory condition of the airways. Seasonal rhinitis occurs in response to exposure to airborne allergens (typically tree, grass, and pollens) in sensitised individuals.
Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, your immune system thinks the allergen is intruding. The immune system releases natural chemicals that enter your bloodstream. This reaction causes a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, sinus pressure, coughing, and watery eyes.
Recognising seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms
Seasonal rhinitis may vary from person to person and from season to season. Although the term ‘rhinitis’ refers only to nasal symptoms, many people also have symptoms that affect the eyes, throat, and ears. Seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms may include the following:
- Nose – This includes watery nasal discharge, blocked nasal passages, sneezing, nasal itching, postnasal drip, loss of taste, facial pressure, or pain.
- Eyes – This includes itchy red eyes, a feeling of grittiness in the eyes, swelling, and dark discolouration of the skin below the eyes.
- Throat and ears – This includes sore throat, hoarse voice, congestion or popping of the ears, itching of the throat or ears
- Sleep disturbances – This includes mouth breathing, frequent awakening, daytime fatigue, and trouble doing normal activities.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis treatment and care
Allergic rhinitis is traditionally subdivided into Perennial Allergic Rhinitis (PAR) and Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (SAR). Perennial allergic rhinitis is when symptoms last throughout the year. On the other hand, Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis sufferers develop symptoms from late April to mid-July when there is increased exposure to airborne pollen and outdoor mold spores.
- Seasonal Rhinitis that occurs in late April and May is often due to tree pollen
- Seasonal Rhinitis that occurs in the summer (late May to mid-July) is often due to grass and weed pollen
To better manage seasonal rhinitis and outdoor allergies, try out the following:
- Wear a mask while doing any kind of lawn activities.
- Keep the house and car windows closed.
- On windy days prefer staying indoors.
- Have an over-the-counter allergy medication ready to use when needed.
The best seasonal allergic rhinitis treatment is to avoid the pollen, but it may be impossible to avoid it at all times. But you can often take steps to reduce your exposure to seasonal allergic rhinitis.
You may be prescribed medicine for seasonal allergic rhinitis treatment. The medicine prescribed by your doctor depends on your symptoms and how severe they are. Your age and your other medical conditions, such as asthma, will also be taken into consideration. Despite the measures, treatments, and precautions, if your seasonal allergic rhinitis symptoms still persist, it may be time to see an allergy specialist.
References:
- https://www.allergy-asthma-immunology.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-seasonal-and-perennial-allergies
- https://www.uptodate.com/contents/allergic-rhinitis-beyond-the-basics
- https://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-symptoms
- https://www.allergy-asthma-immunology.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between- seasonal-and-perennial-allergies
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