Raily Arena asked:


Hay fever, also known as Allergic Rhinitis, is a common form of allergy that people have been suffering from for many decades.  Health experts estimate that about 50 million people chronically suffer from this type of nasal allergy.  If you frequently experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, postnasal drip, red, swollen eyes and frequent colds, you could have Allergic Rhinitis.  Oftentimes, it takes only small particles such as pollen to affect the human body in many ways.  Some of these effects include:

- Throat itchiness that may be intermittent or continuous

- Laryngitis or hoarseness due to pollen affecting the larynx

- RAD or Reactive Airway Disease, a prolonged respiratory irritation characterized by difficulty breathing, chest tightness, wheezing and coughing

- Asthma attacks – often times, your doctor will diagnose RAD before he diagnoses asthma

- Postnasal drainage, which could lead to sore throat because of fluids flowing into and irritating the throat

- Nasal salute, particularly in young children; characterized by a red crease across the nose due to constant rubbing, wiping and scratching

- Allergic conjunctivitis, which can lead to redness, itchiness and teary eyes

- Darkened areas around the eyes

- Headaches

- General fatigue

Why symptoms occur

When exposed to foreign substances such as allergens, the immune system becomes hyper-sensitive and the body reacts.  This is the same kind of reaction that happens when the human body is invaded by microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses.  Once the body is exposed to these types of allergens, it produces substances called histamines which causes inflammation, production of mucus and other symptoms associated with hay fever.

Causes of hay fever

Although pollen is the most common cause of allergies that lead to hay fever, there are other substances that can trigger symptoms as well.  These include dust, molds, pet dander, insects and food.  Although hay fever symptoms can easily be detected, proper diagnosis by a qualified physician is the best way for correct assessment of the condition.

Testing for hay fever allergies

The most common method of determining allergies is skin testing, wherein a minuscule amount of allergen is introduced into the skin to produce a reaction.  The doctor will then try to determine if cross-sensitivity is present, such as when allergies are caused by varying substances with similar protein structures.

Controlling symptoms

As a first step, people with allergies are adviced to avoid or at least minimize contact with substances and items that may trigger an attack.  It’s also important to be aware of your environment and to perform tasks necessary to reduce allergens, avoid work that might aggravate your sensitive skin and protect your body.  With the correct knowledge and treatment regarding Allergic Rhinitis, there is no reason why it cannot be managed efficiently.

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.