Hay Fever Treatments
Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis or pollenosis, is a respiratory response to allergens. It causes cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose, sneezing and congestion, but unlike a cold, it isn’t caused by a virus or spread by contact with someone who has hay fever. The number of people being diagnosed with hay fever is increasing, especially those in urban areas. Worldwide, it is estimated that one in five people are affected by hay fever symptoms. Most sufferers are affected during certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer and autumn (seasonal rhinitis). But some sufferers deal with the symptoms year-round (perennial rhinitis).
The name “hay fever” dates back in history to the days of widespread farming, when many people exhibited allergic symptoms during the hay-pitching season. Despite the origins, it never causes fever and most sufferers are not allergic to hay at all.
Allergic rhinitis is common with people of all ages, genders and races. It is especially common in children and young adults, with some showing symptoms as early as six years of age and younger. Some studies show a genetic link, with children who are born one allergic parent having a 30 percent chance of developing hay fever, and those whose parents both have hay fever increase to 70 percent. Studies also show that the number of sufferers is increasing.
Hay fever can seriously curtail activities when symptoms are at their worst. Allergens, like pollen, pet dander and dust mites, can cause misery for those affected. Complications from untreated hay fever can have serious consequences. For those who suffer asthma, hay fever can bring on an asthma attack. Prolonged periods of sinus congestion can result in sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) or a sinus infection. Ear infection from prolonged symptoms is common in children but can also affect adults.
In children, hay fever can result in upper respiratory infections. Swelling of the tonsils and adenoids can cause sleep apnoea, snoring and mouth breathing, which can result in insomnia, sleepwalking and daytime drowsiness. Behavioural changes, such as poor performance in school, irritability and short attention span are possible, as well.
The most common allergens that cause seasonal rhinitis are:
- Tree pollens, which are common in the spring and include alder, birch, cedar, hazel, horse chestnut, olive, pine, poplar and willow
- Grass pollens, which are more prevalent in the late spring or early summer, especially Timothy and ryegrass (symptoms seem to be aggravated while mowing or after smelling newly mowed grass)
- Weeds, which are common in the fall, include nettle, plantain, ragweed and sorrel
- Spores, worse in warmer months and include fungi and moulds The severity of symptoms in seasonal rhinitis may vary in relation to the hay fever pollen count for the area and time of year, in addition to the level of sensitivity of the sufferer.
Perennial rhinitis is caused mainly by indoor allergens:
- Dust mites and cockroaches
- Animal dander (dried skin flakes and saliva) from pets, including cats, dogs, birds and rodents
- Spores from fungi and moulds
Hay Fever Symptoms
Hay fever has symptoms that are much like a cold, but tend to show up immediately after exposure to a specific allergen. The symptoms and severity vary by season, but in chronic sufferers, symptoms are an everyday occurrence. Symptoms common with hay fever include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, throat, roof of mouth, ears
- Clogged ears or decrease in hearing
- Sinus pressure, including pain above or under the eyes
- Decreased sense of taste or smell
- Blue colouring and swelling under the eyes, called “allergic shiners”
Cold symptoms tend to show between 24 and 96 hours after exposure to the virus. They include runny nose and sneezing, with thick, sometimes yellow coloured discharge, body aches and fever. The duration of a cold is generally between seven and ten days, when those of hay fever do not abate while the sufferer is exposed to the allergen.
Certain risk factors may increase one’s predisposition for developing hay fever:
- Having a parent or sibling who has allergies or asthma
- Having asthma or other allergies
- Exposure to cigarette smoke in infancy
- Working or living in an environment with constant exposure to allergens
Symptoms may change in severity over the sufferer’s lifetime. For some sufferers, symptoms decrease very slowly, often over a number of years or decades.
Hay Fever Treatment
Treatments for seasonal or perennial rhinitis vary widely, depending on the allergens that trigger the symptoms and the severity of those symptoms. For mild symptoms, an over the counter (OTC) allergy medication may be enough to alleviate most or all of your symptoms. Be sure to read labels thoroughly for side effects like drowsiness and interactions with other drugs you may be taking.
Nasal corticosteroids also help alleviate allergic rhinitis, but by reducing the swelling and sensitivity of nasal membranes, which can cause inflammation, itching and runny nose. They are safe for prolonged use, but some side effects include an unpleasant smell and nose bleeds from irritation of nasal membranes.
Immunotherapy or desensitization (allergy shots) is a treatment of last resort for many severe hay fever sufferers. By injecting tiny amounts of the allergen at regular intervals over a period of three to five years, most sufferers will experience relief of symptoms.
Home remedies may also help to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of hay fever. Nasal irrigation is a popular home treatment for both seasonal and perennial hay fever. Herbal remedies, including stinging nettle, goldenseal, cat’s claw or locally produced honey are believed to alleviate symptoms. Alternative therapies, including probiotics, hypnosis and acupuncture may help some sufferers but evidence of effectiveness is inconclusive.
For severe symptoms, there are a number of prescription medications available. Antihistamines block the chemicals (called histamines) in your body, which are the cause for most hay fever symptoms. Prescription antihistamines include fexofenadine (brand name Telfast®), nasal sprays, like azelastine or olopatadine and olopatadine eye drops are also options. Antihistamines are good for alleviating the allergic symptoms of hay fever, but don’t address the nasal congestion.
Hay Fever Medication - Fexofenadine
Fexofenadine is a prescription only anti-histamine that is taken once per day and does not cause drowsiness.
You should consider fexofenadine if over the counter anti-histamine tablets have not eased your symptoms.
What are the side effects of Fexofenadine?
Side effects are rare but include:
- Nausea
- Slight rash on the body
- Headache
Who should not use Fexofenadine?
You should not use this service if:
- You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You are allergic to fexofenadine
