Allergic rhinitis is inflammation (itis) of the nose (rhino) caused by allergy. It’s all too commonly known as hay fever. With around one in five of us in Australia suffering from hay fever at some time, it’s perhaps the best-known and most common of all allergies. The prevalence of hay fever in Australia has almost doubled in the past 15 years.

Many of us suffer sneezes and sniffles when we’re gardening or cleaning the house, petting the cat or dog, or at certain times of the year. Notice all the ads for antihistamines in spring? Some of us suffer hay fever all too frequently. Symptoms often first appear in childhood and adolescence.

Hay fever can exacerbate other respiratory conditions, such as asthma and sinusitis. It can even contribute to dental problems, which are five times more common in mouth breathers.

Causes

The allergens that can trigger hay fever include:

• dust mites, cockroaches and other insects

• contact with grasses and other plants

• pollens from grasses, trees and weeds

• contact with animals

• animal dander (flakes of fur or hair) and saliva

• mould spores

Symptoms

The common symptoms of hay fever include:

• runny or blocked nose

• itchy nose and throat

• itchy, red, puffy and watery eyes

• dark circles and lines under the eyes

• sneezing

• coughing

• post-nasal drip

• wheezy breathing

• exacerbation of asthma

Depending on the allergen, hay fever symptoms may be perennial or seasonal.

Treatment

Once the allergen has been correctly identified, allergic rhinitis symptoms can be effectively managed and treated in a number of ways. Depending on the allergen, severity and frequency, treatment options include:

• managing/avoiding allergic triggers

• antihistamines

• corticosteroids

• saline nasal sprays

• immunotherapy or desensitisation

• hot washing of bedding

• non-allergenic bedding covers

The first step to allergy prevention is correctly identifying the cause

• How Allergy Medical can help