Viktor Radcliff asked:


There are two types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever)- when symptoms are experienced only during spring and/or summer, and perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) – when symptoms are experienced all year round.

The allergens that most commonly cause perennial allergic rhinitis are house dust, dust mites, cockroaches, cat or dog dander, and fungi or molds.

Industrial dust,fumes and chemicals can cause an occupation-related allergic rhinitis.

There is often a family predisposition to developing perennial allergic rhinitis and other allergies.

The symptoms of perennial rhinitis are described as like those of a permanent cold: blocked stuffy nose,constant sore throats and postnasal drip,headaches,loss of taste and smell.People with allergic rhinitis, particularly those with perennial allergic rhinitis, may experience sleep disorders and daytime fatigue.Some people with perennial allergic rhinitis show poorer psychological functioning than non-allergic people.

Symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis always flare up indoors.

The only way to prevent perennial allergic rhinitis is to avoid the allergen that causes it.For perennial allergic rhinitis caused by dust and dust mite, this means using dust mite covers for pillows and mattresses,cleaning floors and walls with a damp mop, and using an air purifier.For perennial allergic rhinitis caused by animal dander,keeping pets out of the bedroom, and off furniture, rugs and other dander-catching surfaces and having pets bathed and groomed frequently is the best solution.

Although perennial allergic rhinitis resembles the seasonal rhinitis in some ways, there are important differences in treatment options : perennial symptoms stem from allergens being inhaled deep into the lungs, so many medications that are effective in treating hay fever symptoms will be less effective.

Intranasal corticosteroid sprays have become the main recommended treatment in perennial allergic rhinitis,especially in patients with moderate or severe PAR.Decongestant sprays and tablets will help relieve a stuffy, blocked nose with catarrh.However,they should be used for short periods only.Anti-histamine medication may help, but it is far less effective than for hay fever.

Allergy testing is very important so you can identify the exact indoor allergen that causes the allergy.

Mark Bevan asked:

What is hay fever?

Hay fever is a common form of allergic reaction. It is also known as allergic rhinitis where rhinitis comes from ‘rhino’ meaning nose and ‘itis’ meaning inflammatory. Hay fever in layman’s terms can be described as inflammation of the nose caused by an allergic reaction. The other parts of the body affected by hay fever include eyes, sinuses, throat and ears. Many times hay fever is mistaken for common cold because it is marked by cold like symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, congestion and sinus pressure. However, unlike cold which is caused by a virus, hay fever is caused by an allergic response to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. In some people hay fever may also be triggered by pollution such as cigarette smoke and car exhaust fumes.

There are two categories of hay fever or allergic rhinitis -

Seasonal hay fever – A large number of people are affected by seasonal hay fever that occurs during spring, summer, and in early fall mainly because of the high levels of pollens present in the atmosphere during these seasons. Perennial hay fever – People who experience hay fever all year round are said to be suffering from perennial hay fever.

Hay fever symptoms

Hay fever symptoms vary from person to person. While some people are fortunate to have only mild symptoms that do not last long, some hay fever victims are severely affected and show symptoms every day during the pollen season. In such cases, people may have difficulty attending school or work.

Common hay fever symptoms include – stuffy or runny nose, itchy nose, throat, or ear canals, sneezing, watery red eyes and ear congestion. Less common hay fever symptoms include – inability to taste or smell food, ‘nasal’ voice, face pain, sweats, and headache. Asthma symptoms – some people may also experience shortness of breath, especially with exercise or exertion, coughing and wheezing. Symptoms can worsen in people who already have asthma.

Medicine used for the treatment of hay fever

Anti-histamine medicines are commonly used for the treatment of hay fever this is because symptoms are caused due the release of a chemical in the body called histamine in response to the allergen. Anti- inflammatory drugs and decongestants may also be given to relieve patients of the symptoms. A doctor may suggest stronger prescription drugs in severe cases of hay fever.

These days, many people who are constantly affected by hay fever are going in for drug-free alternate therapies such as Qu-Chi bands. Based on the Chinese knowledge of acupressure, the Qu-Chi band provides fast relief from hay fever as it works directly on the acupressure points that relieve hay fever symptoms. Since it is natural, Qu-Chi band does not cause any side effects. The band is easy to wear and can be worn when the symptoms start or as a preventive measure when the symptoms are about to start so that fast and effective hay fever treatment becomes possible. The Qu-Chi band can be used round the year; it can be safely used in conjunction with other medications also.

Mark Bevan asked:


About Hay Fever

In the various seasons (spring, summer, and fall) during the year, pollen grains are dispersed from trees, weeds, and grasses. These pollen grains travel on air currents to fertilize other plants. Inhaling pollen, in some people, can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis which is also called pollen allergy or hay fever. In this condition the mucous membranes in the nasal passages inflame, which causes swelling, sneezing, itching, irritation and a runny nose.

Allergy seasons are :

May – July/August – Grass pollen: Feb – June – Tree pollen (depending on whether allergic to early or late flowering trees) August – September – Nettle/weed pollen

Hay fever symptoms can continue all the year round and may also occur from indoor allergens like house dust mites, pets and possibly indoor moulds.

Hay fever is actually an attempt by the body to rid itself of allergens but the immune system overreacts and releases chemicals which cause inflammation, causing:

Itchy, watery, red eyes Frequent sneezing Constantly dripping nose

Sufferers, when afflicted with this condition, have to struggle to breathe through their nose. Symptoms are often quite bad in young people and tails off in later years as the body adapts. Studies have shown that hay fever can severely affect the quality of life, disturb sleep patterns, impair daytime concentration and work performance.

What is pollen allergy?

Pollen once released from trees, weeds and grasses, ride on air currents with a mission to disperse and fertilize other plants. However, they rarely reach their targets. On the way they get into human noses and throats, triggering allergic reactions.

Pollen is one of the most pervasive things that can cause an allergy and cannot be avoided. Many allergy causing foods, drugs, or animals can be largely avoided but insects and household dust are inescapable. However, short of staying indoors, there is no foolproof method of evading windborne pollen. Nonetheless, ways have been established that help ease the symptoms of hay fever. Moreover, scientists are working to find better approaches to allergy treatment.

Research has helped provide a better understanding of the causes of allergy, improve the methods for diagnosing and treating allergic reactions and thereby eventually preventing them. The common signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are:

Sneezing, the most common, may be accompanied by a runny or clogged nose Itching eyes, nose, and throat Allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses) The “allergic salute” (in a child, persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark on the nose) Watering eyes Conjunctivitis (is inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids, causing red-rimmed eyes)

In a pollen-sensitive person, as soon as the allergy-causing pollen lands on the mucous membranes of the nose, a chain reaction occurs that leads the mast cells in these tissues to release histamine. This potent chemical dilates the small blood vessels in the nose; causing the fluids to escape through the expanded vessel walls, which in turn results in swelling of the nasal passages as well as nasal congestion. On the other hand, histamine also causes itching, irritation, and excess mucus production. Similarly, other chemicals like prostaglandins and leukotrienes also contribute to allergic symptoms.

Some people with pollen allergy also develop asthma, a serious respiratory condition, which can eventually become chronic. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath due to a narrowing of the bronchial passages and excess mucus production.

Mark Bevan asked:


About Hay fever and allergic rhinitis

Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis, generally results from airborne substances such as pollen that tend to easily enter the human body through the nose, sinus, throat and eyes, into the upper respiratory system where it forces the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies release histamine, the main culprit, which irritates the nasal passages, producing typical hay fever symptoms.

The name ‘hay fever’ is highly misleading, because symptoms occur all year round and not particularly in the autumn months when hay is gathered; moreover, it never includes fever. Most common of all allergic diseases, almost 15% of the world population suffers from this condition. Symptoms mostly appear in childhood first and then lessen as they age but this may not always be the case. It occurs all year round and may be caused by things such as house dust mites and pets. However, the predominant allergens keep changing from time to time.

Causes and symptoms of hay fever

Any substance can cause an allergy but hay fever is primarily caused by proteins. Commonly, hay fever is the direct result of an allergic person coming in repeated contact with plant protein. Flowering plants rarely cause allergies, however, the common trees, grasses, and weeds produce extremely small, light, dry protein particles which are called pollen. Spread by wind, these pollen particles are the male *** cells of the plant that are exceptionally minute in nature.

Although, usually invisible when airborne, pollen is a potent allergy stimulator. It has a tendency to lodge itself in the nasal lining tissues (also called the mucus membranes) as well as in other parts of the respiratory tract where it instigates allergic responses that can sometimes be serious. Since, a tendency to suffer allergies is often hereditary; an individual’s genetic makeup programmes him to be allergic, mostly from birth. The most common causes of hay fever are:

Tree pollen such as elder, elm, hazel and birch(spring) Grass pollen (summer) Mugwort and hybrids such as chrysanthemum (autumn) House dust mites and mould fungus

Symptoms of hay fever generally include:

Nasal congestion Clear runny nose Sneezing Itching of the nose and eyes Excessive tear production Postnasal drip that may result in cough Loss of the sense of smell Occasional loss of sense of taste Nose bleeds in severe conditions Allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the white portion of the eyes)

These allergic symptoms may sometimes become severe to an extent where they start to interfere with a person’s quality of life as well as overall health.

Hay fever bands

Hay fever bands are eco-friendly and are particularly liked by people who are health conscious and prefer to stay away from prescription medications as far as possible. This is a 100% safe and a viable alternative method that helps treat the condition without consuming drugs or chemicals.

A hay fever band uses the popular acupressure technique, embracing traditional Chinese healing methods to provide complete natural relief from the symptoms of hay fever. This band can be conveniently used by both adults and children over 3 years of age. Since, it is completely natural, the hay fever band does not cause drowsiness or have any kind of side-effects. Hay fever bands are completely drug free.

Pollen allergy

Plants produce pollen in order to reproduce. Plain-looking plants produce pollen that is generally responsible for causing allergic reactions. Unfortunately, too much pollen in the air can cause problems if you are sensitive to it.

Pollen allergy is most commonly caused by germinating plants like juniper and birch trees, as well as flowers, grass, grains, and common weeds like ragweed. If you shake a plant in germination, the cloud of powder that appears is the pollen that is capable of causing allergies.