Charlene J. Nuble asked:


Hay fever is a form of allergy affecting people sensitive to its allergens during the summer season. Its medical term is seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis is an allergy that attacks vulnerable people during the summer and the onset of the spring seasons.

Allergies as such is caused by inhaling pollen or by entry of pollen to an eye. This will then irritate the eye’s and nose’s sensitive linings. Consequently, inflammation or swelling follows such occurrence.

Causes of hay fever

Pollens usually come from trees like oak and silver birch. Pollen from those specified trees are the most common cause of reported or recorded cases of hay fever and other related allergies that occur during the onset of spring.

Grasses that pollinate during the summer until about the onset of spring, like nettles, weeds, mugwort and dock are also attributed to several cases of hay fever.

Allergies to several kinds of fruits, nuts and some vegetables can also cause swollen and itchy mouth and throat that may eventually lead to symptoms for hay fever.

Studies and medical experts have identified several fruits, nuts and vegetables which may cause such conditions. These include peanuts, tomatoes, cherries, peaches, apples and carrots.

Though, cases of hay fevers that are pinpointed to such factors aare rather rare and limited in number and severity.

Symptoms of hay fever

A person who is affected by an allergy called hay fever will experience manifestations like frequent and unusual sneezing, watery or teary eyes and runny nose.

Other symptoms are more prevalent and indicate severity of the hay fever attack. Some of these serious forms of symptoms include itchy eyes, ears and mouth. The itchiness would surely be discomforting and will cause uneasiness making the hay fever victim feel greater tension.

People under a hay fever attack will also feel extraordinarily unwell. That general feeling of unwellness is also coupled with unusual reduction or lack of concentration. Focus will be a hard word and concept for hay fever victims.

The onset of hay fever may start to develop and reach its full scale when the person reaches or enters his or her teenage years. Hay fever allergy and attacks are also more likely to affect people aged between 20 years to 30 years.

Treatment for people with hay fever

There are a number of potent and effective treatments and medications that will sufficiently curtail or control hay fever.

Such medications include especially prescribed medical tablets and nasal sprays. Drugs in tablet forms for hay fever will usually aim to relieve or soothe itchiness occurring in the nose and throat, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing.

Antihistamines are the most common medication for allergies. Since hay fever is a form of allergy, antihistamine will be a perfect drug against it.

Eye drops are also available over-the-counter to relieve eye discomfort while anti-inflammatory sprays will surely reduce swelling and inflammation of the infected eye or nose lining.

Preventing hay fever

The most effective measure to avoid the onset of hay fever is by avoiding contact or exposure to the irritants or allergens that cause it.

People with hay fever history should try to stay indoors and install air conditioners in their homes and rooms especially during summer and spring, when pollen are spread all throughout the outdoor air.

Nikhil Abraham asked:

Allergic rhinitis

Also known as hay fever , this condition refers to an allergy to pollen , dust , pets etc. which results in sneezing / running nose , nasal stuffiness , watery and itchy eyes.

In most cases, symptoms are mild and at the most are inconvenient . But if its severe and persists for extended periods of time , it is a cause of concern and needs to be treated.

If the allergy is due to pollen , symptoms are seen in particular seasons depending on when the plant in question flowers. Allergies to other things could be throughout the year.

Diagnosis is by clinical symptoms. Skin/ blood allergen testing can also be done to pinpoint the cause for the allergy.

Though the obvious preventive step is to avoid exposure to the offending agent , in most cases since its environmental, it just cannot be avoided. Regular cleaning of living spaces and personal effects minimizes exposure to allergens.

Medicines for treatment fall into the following categories :

Antihistamines – these control symptoms such as sneezing , watering and itchiness of eyes etc. Though the older ones are cause drowsiness , the newer generation antihistamines have minimal sedative effects and are safe. There are even antihistamine nasal sprays which take effect fairly quickly.

Decongestants – are often combined with antihistamines in tablet form or are available as nasal sprays. Though these provide instant relief from nasal stuffiness, it is wise not to use them for more than a couple of days since long term administration is known to cause adverse changes in the nasal skin lining. This is also due to preservatives added to the solution. Also, with repeated use , the response decreases till there is no effect ultimately.

Intra nasal steroids are very effective in the treatment of symptoms that are present for long periods.. It is administered locally and hence is safe for long term use.

Other drugs that influence the allergic reaction cascade such as cromolyn and leukotriene receptor antagonists are also useful but need to be taken on a regular basis.

Oral/ injectable steroids are rarely given keeping in mind their long term effects and are only prescribed for short periods when symptoms are very severe.

Immunotherapy is also an option for those whose symptoms are severe, uncontrolled by medication , or if other allergic conditions (eg. asthma, eczema ) begin to develop.

Eric Morgan asked:

Here are some basic answers to questions you may have regarding allergen immunotherapy, also known as “allergy shots.”

Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment designed to decrease nasal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis), allergic asthma and reactions caused by insect stings. Specific allergens are identified through allergy testing, so the allergist first knows what is causing the allergy symptoms, in order to effectively treat them. After the culprit has been identified, allergen immunotherapy involves getting injections of increasing amounts of specific allergens over the course of several months.

Does Immunology Work?

Aside from decreasing allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and congestion, Immunotherapy can help prevent the development of new allergies. In children, Immunotherapy can help prevent allergic rhinitis from progressing into asthma. Even after the treatments have stopped, allergen immunotherapy often leads to long-lasting relief of allergy symptoms.

Many studies have shown that immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of nasal allergies, for both adults and children. A review of 18 published studies involving nearly 800 patients concluded that immunotherapy is highly effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. An extensive review of immunotherapy as a treatment for allergic rhinitis in children, showed that the only treatment able to affect the natural cause of the disease is immunotherapy. Studies showing the effectiveness of immunotherapy suggest that roughly 8 out of 10 allergy patients benefit significantly from immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy may also prevent the onset of asthma, and a review of multiple studies showed that allergen immunotherapy is also an effective treatment for asthma. These studies have indicated that treatment with immunotherapy results in reduced symptoms of asthma and improved pulmonary functions, and at the same time, reduces the need for asthma medications.

For individuals with a previously demonstrated allergic susceptibility to insect stings, immunization with insect venom is an extremely effective treatment for preventing future allergic reactions. A review of nine published studies indicates that a course of immunotherapy is highly effective in the management of insect sting allergy. Immunology can be a great alternative if you have any of the following concerns:

Poor response to medications

Impractical or impossible to avoid the offending allergens

Negative medication side effects

Wanting to avoid long-term medications or reduce the cost of medications

Coexisting allergic rhinitis and asthma

Possible prevention of asthma in children

Individuals with allergic asthma

If Immunotherapy Works Why Doesn’t Everyone Do It?

People who have very light symptoms or have found an effective medication that eliminates symptoms, may not need immunotherapy. For others, the time and commitment involved in starting and undergoing immunotherapy can be seen as an obstacle, especially when looking for a “quick fix”. In time however, more and more patients are realizing that the long-term benefits of immunotherapy are much better than having to be on medications for the rest of their life.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Receiving Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is recommended for those with allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis (involving various nasal symptoms) and conjunctivitis, or stinging insect allergy. It may be the best option for those who have difficulty controlling symptoms through avoidance or medication. Other considerations are that you do not like the side effects of allergy medication, the allergy medications are inconvenient, or having to take multiple medications in order to control symptoms. Immunotherapy is not recommended for those with food allergies. The best treatment for severe food allergies is to strictly avoid the offending food. The decision to begin immunotherapy will be based on several factors including:

Length of allergy season and how severe symptoms are.

How well medications and/or environmental controls take care of the allergy symptoms.

Wanting to avoid long-term reliance on medication.

Immunotherapy will require a significant time commitment-are you willing to make the commitment to the therapy?

Cost: may vary depending on insurance coverage.

Will Insurance Pay For Immunology?

Most insurance companies and HMOs will pay for immunotherapy, especially if your primary care doctor refers you to an allergist and the allergist recommends immunotherapy as part of your treatment. Even patients with milder symptoms may be recommended immunotherapy to avoid worsening of symptoms, particularly if they cannot always avoid the things they are allergic to, such as a family pet, bee stings, or specific native plants.

Who Is a Good Candidate for receiving immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is recommended for those with allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis (involving various nasal symptoms) and conjunctivitis, or stinging insect allergy. It may be the best option for those who have difficulty controlling symptoms through avoidance or medication. Other considerations are that you do not like the side effects of allergy medication, the allergy medications are inconvenient, or having to take multiple medications in order to control symptoms. Immunotherapy is not recommended for those with food allergies. The best treatment for severe food allergies is to strictly avoid the offending food. The decision to begin immunotherapy will be based on several factors including:

Length of allergy season and how severe symptoms are.

How well medications and/or environmental controls take care of the allergy symptoms.

Wanting to avoid long-term reliance on medication.

Immunotherapy will require a significant time commitment-are you willing to make the commitment to the therapy?

Cost: may vary depending on insurance coverage.

How Is the Treatment Administered?

A very small hypodermic syringe is used to inject commercial allergen extracts. The injections are usually at the site of the loose tissue over the back of the upper arm, between the shoulder and elbow. This area is the least painful site for injection as there are very few nerve endings. Injections are given under the skin (“subcutaneous”). When administered correctly, the injections should only be slightly uncomfortable. They are not usually painful, and are well tolerated by adults, teenagers and most children. You may be advised to take an antihistamine a few hours before each injection to reduce the likelihood of any local allergic reaction and other side effects.

Can Young Children Receive Immunotherapy?

Children over the age of 5 may be good candidates for the therapy. Very young child will likely have difficulty cooperating with the immunotherapy regimen. However, immunotherapy can be a good option for children in general. Studies suggest that immunotherapy treatments may prevent the development of new allergies in children, and may help prevent the development of asthma in children who have rhinitis.

Is There an Age Limit to Receiving Immunotherapy?

Not really. Anyone from age 5 on up may benefit from receiving immunotherapy. With elderly persons, consideration should be given to the overall health and chronic medical conditions (such as cardiac disease), which could potentially cause problems. However most healthy children and adults can benefit from Immunotherapy treatments.

Where Does the Immunotherapy Take Place?

Ideally, immunotherapy should always be given in the prescribing allergist/immunologist’s office/clinic. If this is not possible for some extenuating circumstance, your allergist/immunologist should provide the supervising physician with all needed information about your specific treatment. Either way, you must always be in the care of an appropriate medical professional, who is qualified to administer Immunotherapy.

troy saunders asked:


The word allergy is derived from the Greek words “allos,” meaning different or changed and “ergos,” meaning work or action. Allergy roughly alludes to an “altered reaction.”

An allergy alludes to an exaggerated reaction by our immune mechanism replying to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. Allergic peoples’s bodies recognize the foreign substance and one part of the immune mechanism is turned on. Allergy-producing substances are called “allergens.” Examples of allergens include pollens, dust mite, molds, danders, and foods. To comprehend the language of allergy it is necessary to recollect that allergens are substances that are foreign to the body and may cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

The immune mechanism is the body’s arranged defensive mechanism against foreign invaders, particularly infections. Its job is to recognize and react to these foreign substances, which are called antigens. The purpose of the immune mechanism is to muster its forces at the site of invasion and destroy the enemy. One of the strategies it does this is to create protecting proteins called antibodies that are specifically targeted against particular foreign substances.

When an allergen comes in contact with the body, it causes the immune mechanism to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. When you inappropriately react to allergens that are normally harmless to folk, you are having an allergic reaction and can be called allergic or atopic.

Allergic Rhinitis.

Year round or evergreen allergic rhinitis is typically due to indoor allergens, like dust mites, animal dander, or molds. It can also be due to pollens. Symptoms result from the inflammation of the tissues that line the interior of the nose (mucus lining or surfaces ) after allergens are inhaled.

Asthma.

Asthma is a breathing problem that results from the inflammation and spasm of the lung’s air passages (bronchial tubes). The inflammation causes a narrowing of the air passages, which limits the flow of air into and out of the lungs.

This condition is frequently related to allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Hives.

Hives ( urticaria ) are skin reactions that appear as itchy swellings and can occur on any bit of the body. Hives can be due to an allergic reaction, like to a food or medicine, but they also may occur in non-allergic people.

Allergic Eyes.

Allergic eyes (allergic conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the tissue layers (membranes) that cover the skin of the eyeball and the undersurface of the eyelid. The inflammation occurs as a consequence of an allergic reaction

Allergic Shock.

Allergic shock ( anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock ) is a potentially terminal allergic reaction that will affect a number of organs at the same time. This reply usually happens when the allergen is eaten (for example, foods ) or injected (for example, a bee sting).

Master The Technique of Controlling Allergies at HealthyLivingDigest.com

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


If you are prone to sneezing problems then blame it on your genetics and your body’s lack of immunity. Allergic rhinitis or nasal allergy is bound to occur in a person if they are exposed to allergens, pollution, and cigarette smoke or happen to have a low weight at birth.

Doctors are puzzled as to why some people are allergic to certain substances while others are not, but one thing they are sure is that your body responds to these allergens. Your body’s immune system has been programmed in such a way as to react whenever a foreign body gets into the nose and these triggers off a series of reactions in the body when the immune system begins its fight to repel the substance. During this process a chemical substance called histamine is released. This is why your eyes begin to water and your nose starts running. At times more severe problems like wheezing and breathing difficulties occur in some people.

Many a times it is allergens which are present in the atmosphere that are the main cause for nasal allergies though these allergens can come from different sources. One of the main causes of nasal allergies through out the country is due to pollens, and their concentration can vary according to the places. Some places may be concentrated with flowering varieties which can generate enough pollen in the air while it may not be so in other places. Some pollen like rag weed can travel far and wide, so even if you live in a city you may still be affected by it. Flowering trees, plants, grass and bushes can also release a number of pollen grains into the air causing nasal allergies.

Though dust can cause you to sneeze it may not cause nasal allergy. But dust mites which are tiny microscopic organisms which can be found in mattresses, carpets and furniture can cause nasal allergy. You will know for sure that it is the dust mites which are actually causing you to sneeze when in the winter months the pollens in the air are at a minimal and you still find yourself sneezing endlessly.

Another serious allergic problem is caused by animal dander. Dander which comes from pets like dogs and cats easily settle down in carpets and furniture and cause you to experience sneezing problems even after you have got rid of your pets. The only way that you can get rid of dander once and for all is getting the carpet and upholstery in the sofas in your home vacuumed thoroughly and having them shampooed.

You will know that you are having a nasal allergy the moment your nose starts to twitch and you begin sneezing for no reason. It is the body’s way of trying to get rid of the allergen. The nose then starts to run and this is how the body’s mechanism tries to wash out the allergen. A little later say after a few hours you will find that you are now having a stuffy nose and you become extremely sensitive to other irritants. You will have to endure this for the duration it takes for the body to have the allergen to be cleared from your body. For some people they can develop more serious problems like asthma or sinus infections.

Michael Brown asked:


The woman who divorced her noisy partner told her friends that she was allergic to his snoring. What she didn’t realize is that his snoring was due to allergies.

The trumpeting noise associated with snoring is generated by airflow trying to push its way through an obstructed airway. While snoring is not an illness, it can be symptomatic of other health conditions, even an allergic reaction.

Allergic rhinitis is a health condition in which the membrane lining the throat and nose become inflamed. The inflamed membrane lining creates an obstruction in the airway, which in turn causes snoring. This condition is usually triggered by an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is usually due to trees, grass and other plant pollens, and occurs mainly in spring and summer when pollen counts are high. Perennial allergic rhinitis lasts yearlong, and is generally caused by an allergy to mold spores, animal fur, feathers, dust mites or house dust.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis are quite clear:

* Sneezing

* Blocked or runny nose

* Red, watery, itchy eyes

* Itchy, irritated nose

* Headache

* Nosebleeds (not common)

* Snoring

If you believe that you are suffering from an allergic reaction, but you’re not sure of the cause, your doctor can perform a skin ***** allergy test. However, such tests are not fully conclusive, as some allergens will avoid identification.

In the event that you’ve pinpointed the cause of your reaction and taken steps to avoid it, your symptoms should subside very rapidly without further treatment. Some allergens, like pollen, are virtually impossible to avoid. In this case it may be necessary to take an anti-allergy drug to find relief.

Anti-allergy drugs in the form of nasal spray often contain sodium cromoglicate, a substance that blocks the allergy. Nasal sprays can be used as decongestants, but long-term use is not recommended. Corticosteroid drugs are often prescribed for hay fever, although their effectiveness is not instantaneous. Oral antihistamines may be used along with a decongestant to relieve inflammation and itching.

If allergic rhinitis is a persistent problem, your doctor might suggest immunotherapy, a procedure that desensitizes the immune system. Immunotherapy patients are injected with a series of gradually increasing doses of the allergen, to encourage the body to accept the substance without reacting. While immunotherapy can be an effective treatment for some allergy sufferers, it can take as many as four years for the treatment to be completed, and it is not always successful.

If you feel your snoring problem is caused by allergic rhinitis, there are several treatments available to help alleviate the problem. Try avoiding obvious allergens like furry animals. Use pillows and quilts with synthetic stuffing rather than feathers or down. Cover your mattress with a mite proof membrane. Remove soft furnishings and clean regularly to prevent dust collecting. Avoid visiting areas with long or newly cut grass. Purchase a pollen filter for your car and a HEPA filter for your home.

By avoiding the causes, you allergic reactions should diminish, and your allergy-induced snoring can disappear altogether.

Tom alter asked:


Bronchial asthma is a disease that is influenced considerably by several factors. This is a disease which is prevalent all over the world. It is generally seen that the boys of younger age groups have more severe case of the symptoms of the disease than the girls. The factors which have a great effect on the asthmatic conditions are:

Hereditary factors: Genetics seems to play an important role in the asthma patients. The heredity factors of occurrence of disease in one or both the parents and prevalence in the family history have repeatedly been shown to have considerable influence on the occurrence of asthma. It is seen that the rate of occurrence of disease almost doubles if both the parents have asthma. The symptoms also start to manifest at a much earlier stage in life. When the asthma is of extrinsic type, which means that the symptoms appear due to some allergens it may also be seen that the patients develop symptoms not necessarily of asthma but of other diseases as well. These diseases may be of infectious or non-infectious variety. The children of parents having asthma are very prone to other related disorders also.

Infection factors: Certain infections lead to development of symptoms similar to asthma. These are a bad bout of cold and chest congestion or any other kind of bronchial infection. These symptoms develop vigorously in children. The symptoms of wheezing and breathlessness are very predominantly seen. After the infection is suppressed the chest becomes normal again and the child stops showing the symptoms. Infectious and non-infectious diseases like pneumonia, measles, whooping cough, tonsils, and adenoids can show symptoms of asthma in very early stages of life. In the individuals who are prone to allergies symptoms of asthma can develop very quickly as a response to the presence of the allergen. The sensitivity to the allergen can also trigger off an infection. Thus a vicious cycle is formed where one can influence the other and the symptoms manifest rapidly.

The patients of allergic rhinitis (repeated sneezing) and asthma also have excessive secretions from the nose and the lungs. These are fertile feeding and breeding grounds for micro organisms and thus catching further infections also becomes very feasible. This is the reason why the people suffering with rhinitis and asthma are more prone to catching all kinds of bronchial infections. Some of these may lead to conditions of emphysema also in extreme cases. This is also the reason why both the infections as well as the allergy have to be treated side by side to ensure proper recovery. Unless and until this is done complete recovery may not be a possibility at all.

Emotional factors: Sometimes conditions related with excessive manifestation of emotions also trigger off a reaction in the form of symptoms similar to that of asthma. Generally it is also seen that such individuals also have an inclination towards allergies and anxiety related disorders. When the person is inclined towards allergic reactions certain emotionally charged situations just act as a trigger and create mild to severe asthmatic reactions in the body. Similarly if the person is prone towards very sensitive emotional disposition, the fact that the asthmatic reactions make themselves manifest is quite well known. This leads to difficulty in diagnosis and further in treating the symptoms adequately also. For this it is imperative that the doctors identify all the causes and then rule out all the possibilities one by one before coming to final treatment plans. These kind of asthmatic reactions are very prevalent in ladies and children who are subject to extreme emotional conditions like death or accident in the family.

Climatic factors: It is usually seen that the asthmatics get better adjusted to dry climates than the hot and humid ones. This is to say that colder, hilly terrains are much better for the asthmatics rather than the sea coast areas. But there are no rules as such because some people show lesser manifestation of symptoms near the sea coast than in the hilly areas. There are several climatic factors that come into play where asthma is concerned and different people may agree to different situations. Some climatic factors that play an important role are wind, atmospheric pressure and changes in altitude. Heavy winds may induce difficulty in breathing in some people. Also direction of winds may also be a cause of concern. Sudden drop in the atmospheric pressures can lead to severe symptoms of asthma in many patients. This kind of drop is generally seen before a thunderstorm and can cause severe aggravation of the symptoms. Some people develop a distinct lessening of symptoms when they go to places of higher altitudes. This is generally attributed to a change of environment than to any other thing and was the preferred mode of treatment in the yesteryears.

Occupational factors: Generally patients with extrinsic asthma that is due to allergens have more manifestation of symptoms when they are in occupations where they are continuously exposed to allergens like farmers who have pollen allergy can have aggravated symptoms. Workers in a factory area may develop asthma due to the effluents or raw materials. The symptoms shown are quite varied and may take a while to manifest after an initial exposure to the allergens.

Alexander Chong asked:


Allergic rhinitis is an atopic disease, which is inherited from the parent. If both your parents have allergic rhinitis or other respiratory diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, and emphysema, the probability that you have these kinds of respiratory diseases is 50%. If one of your parents has respiratory diseases, the probability that you inherit their diseases is 25%. If both of your parents do not have any respiratory diseases, your chances to have respiratory diseases are no more than 12.5%. Sometimes, what has happened during pregnancy can cause allergic rhinitis to the newly born baby. The immunological status of the mother during pregnancy may cause the newly born baby has allergic rhinitis. Pregnant mothers who are smoking, drinking coffee and alcohol usually have poor immunological status, which can also cause newly born infant has allergic rhinitis or other respiratory diseases. This is because all these acts can cause high IgE antibody level in umbilical blood. Apart that, using bottle-feeding to feed milk to infant, early introduction of several kinds of food and early exposure to certain allergens and pollutants can cause nasal allergy to the newly born infant.  

Allergic rhinitis symptoms change with age. At the earlier stage, children are mostly sensitive to seasonal allergens. After they have grown older, they usually become sensitive to perennial allergens. Therefore, after they have got over the symptom that is caused by seasonal allergens, they may still keep on the symptoms due to the perennial allergens. When the children’s age is increasing, they may have higher risk to have bronchial hyperreactivity and asthma. 17 to 19% of them will have asthma after grow up. To protect them from getting asthma, perennial immunotherapy should be used at the early stage. Moreover, the risk of getting asthma does not depend to age when the allergic rhinitis started, family history of atopic disease, sex, severity of symptoms at the starting period and treatment.

Allergic rhinitis started when the atopic individual meets the antigens that are able to stimulate the IgE response. So, what are substances that can act as allergens? Allergens usually are airborne particles, which have molecular weight ranging from 30 to 40,000 daltons and also with diameter ranging from 2 to 60 µm. Most of them have diameter more than 15 µm, which can deposit onto the nasal, pharyngeal and ocular surface. Chemically, these particles are proteins, which link to some small unit of carbohydrate. Particles that have these kinds of characters are pollen, acarids, animal dandruff and fungi.

Pollens that are released from grams, weeds and trees during breeding season usually cause seasonal allergic rhinitis. Only light pollens that can be pollinated by wind can exist in air and cause a high natural exposure to the allergic rhinitis patient. The seriousness depends to the concentration of the pollens in the atmosphere. Individual with allergic rhinitis who lives in suburban area will be seriously affected by these seasonal pollens compared to the one who lives in city. Surrounding temperature also gives an impact to the pollens concentration in air. Usually, in warmer environment, plants release more pollens compared to cold environment. Most of the plants breed in late spring and summer that is the warmest season. Windy weather will cause the pollens scatter around in air and this will cause the most exposure to the allergic rhinitis patient. The better day is rainy day. Rain water can wash all the pollens in air and bring them down to the ground. Surrounding air becomes fresher and cleaner after raining.       

The main culprit of the perennial nasal allergy is house-dust mites. The acarids that are commonly found in the house dust are Dermatophagoides pteronyssimus and farinae, Euroglyphus maynei and Blomia tropicalis. Substances that are directly responsible to the nasal allergy from these dust mites are their body and metabolic products. Usually, mites grow rapidly in damp and warm climate. Therefore, sensitization to acarids depends to where you are actually living. Nasal allergy for patients who live in tropical and equatorial regions have higher possibility causes by acarids because these regions climate is promote mites growth. House-dust mites grow at maximized concentration when surrounding humidity level is between 70 to 80 % and with the presence of high temperature. Nasal allergy symptoms will develop when the level of dust mite concentration reaches 2 µg/g in air. Conversely, in high mountains with dry and cold climate have lowest level of dust mites because this climate prevents the mite growth. Animals also are the other source of aeroallergens. These aeroallergens are present in the animal’s saliva, feces, urine and dandruff. Therefore, nasal allergy can be caused by domestic animals such as cat and dog and also wild rats and mice.

Air pollutants enhance the sensitization of the nasal allergy by the allergens. Air pollutants can be divided to two groups that are outdoor pollutants, which are released from industrial works, automobile exhaust and domestic heating, and indoor pollutants such as tobacco smoke, furnishings, wood and coal burning and heater. Chemically, air pollutants consist of oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and black smoke. How actually air pollutants enhance sensitization of nasal allergy is not completely clear. This may be due to air pollutants easily irritate the respiratory mucosa and make it prone to allergic sensitization. Air pollutants have negative impact to the nasal epithelium and ciliary beat, which are responsible to the clearance of allergens. Furthermore, some pollutants can enhance the releasing of the mediators that induce inflammation such as histamine, prostaglandins and leukotriene C-4.

Apart from that, some pollutants also can stimulate synthesis of the IgE antibody directly. When allergen binds two IgE molecules together on the mast and basophil cells surface, primary chemical mediator; histamine, will be released and it will cause nasal allergy. Therefore, we can affirm that allergens can easily enter into our blood stream through our nasal mucosal membrane if we have chronic inflammation, not enough IgA antibody, impaired ciliary beat and also with air pollutants around us. IgA antibody is very important to our body because it prevents allergens from penetrating through our nasal mucosal layer. Monounsaturated oleic acids, which can be found in cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, hazelnut or filbert oil (or the whole nuts), green and ripe olives, and almonds can increase IgA antibody in our body. Besides oleic acids, vitamin A also can increase IgA antibody, which can be found in cod liver oil, pumpkin, cooked carrots, sweet potatoes/yams, squash and other yellow or orange vegetable.

Charlene J. Nuble asked:


Allergic rhinitis is often also called nasal allergy, pollinosis or hay fever, especially when it occurs during the haying season.

Allergic rhinitis is the occurrence of several symptoms, usually in the eyes and in the nose, after exposure to particles that may be airborne like plant pollens, dander and most especially, dust.

An oversensitive immune system is usually cited for the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. Take note that the immune system is your shield against harmful and ailment-causing viruses and bacteria. In some people, immune systems react violently to substances or allergens that are not generally harmful or disease-causing.

The most common and primary cause of allergic rhinitis is allergy to pollen. Pollens are very fine and powder-like substances produced by seed plants’ anthers. Allergic rhinitis can be similar to allergic reactions exhibited in some people by allergies to animal dander, inhaled allergens, mold and dust.

Some of the plants that usually produce pollens that cause reported cases of allergic rhinitis are deciduous and evergreen trees, flowering plants, ragweed and grasses.

Identifying allergic rhinitis

The most common manifestations or symptoms of allergic rhinitis are:

o Nasal congestion or what you call stuffy nose

o Wheezing

o Sore throat

o Sneezing

o Teary eyes

o Runny nose

o Smell impairment

o Headache

o Coughing

o Itching in the mouth, throat, nose, eyes, skin or any other areas in the body

How to treat allergic rhinitis

Remember, most allergies are treatable but not curable. Allergic rhinitis is not an exception.

Treatments or medications available or prescribed for allergic rhinitis only reduce symptoms of allergy caused by inflammation in the infected or affected tissues.

Doctors advise that the best treatment would be prevention, but if you happen to already have it, several medications may be of help.

Antihistamines are usually over-the-counter or do not require prescriptions when you buy them in drugstores. Such medicines, however, are only recommended to relieve mild symptoms or moderate symptoms. Take note that antihistamines may cause drowsiness and should not be taken when driving.

There are antihistamines that are specifically described longer-acting. Included in this category are cetirizine and fexofenadine. These types of antihistamines will unlikely cause drowsiness.

Nasal sprays are the most common form of medications taken for allergic rhinitis. They are safe and effective especially for patients whose symptoms are not reduced by antihistamines.

Decongestants are not exclusive for cough. They can also be used to treat allergic rhinitis.

In taking medications, it is important to first seek a doctor’s recommendation and prescription even if some medicines are non-prescription to ensure health and safety. Proper administration and timing is also important. No one wants to get an overdose right?

Preventing allergic rhinitis

Prevention is better than treatment, as always. To prevent the onset of allergic rhinitis, people with history should try to remain indoors or inside air-conditioned rooms especially during the pollination or hay season.

Remember that most pollinating trees produce and air-spread pollens during spring.

In the case of flowers and grasses, they pollinate during summer and ragweeds produce pollen in early autumn.

Bear in mind these trivial but interesting facts so you would know how to prevent getting another allergic rhinitis episode. It could not be that deadly, but it would really feel uncomfortable. One more thing, who says complications do not kill?