Better Health. No Hassles. Hay Fever

Better Health. No Hassles. HAY FEVER Hay fever also called allergic rhinitis Unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by virus Caused by allergic response to indoor or outdoor airborne allergens – Pollen, dust mites or pet dander Hay fever can be year-round or seasonal Affects one in five people

Better Health. No Hassles. SYMPTOMS Runny nose nasal congestion Watery or itchy eyes Sneezing/cough Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat Sinus pressure and facial pain Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners) Decreased sense of smell or taste Sleeplessness Fatigue Irritability

Better Health. No Hassles. CAUSES Sensitization - Your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as something harmful. This produces allergy causing antibodies. The next time you are exposed to the substance, these antibodies recognize it and signal your immune system to release chemicals such as histamine into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause a reaction that leads to the irritating signs and symptoms of hay fever

Better Health. No Hassles. SEASONAL TRIGGERS Tree pollen, common in spring Grass pollen, late spring and summer Weed pollen, fall Spores from fungi and molds, which can be worse during warm-weather months

Better Health. No Hassles. YEAR-ROUND TRIGGERS Dust mites or cockroaches Dander (dried skin flakes and saliva) from pets such as cats, dogs or birds Cockroaches Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds

Better Health. No Hassles. RISK FACTORS Family history Male gender Birth during pollen season Being a firstborn child Exposure to cigarette smoke during first year of life Exposure to dust mites

Better Health. No Hassles. TESTS and DIAGNOSIS Skin Prick Test – Small amounts of purified allergen extracts are pricked into the skin and observed for signs of an allergic reaction Allergy Blood Test – Measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream (IgE) antibodies

Better Health. No Hassles. COMPLICATIONS Asthma – Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, coughing and wheezing Eczema – Swollen, red, itchy, dry skin Sinusitis – Ear infection – In children middle ear

Better Health. No Hassles. TREATMENTS Nasal corticosteroids – They prevent and treat inflammation – The most effective for many people – Safe for long-term treatment – Side effects unpleasant taste or smell and nose irritation Oral corticosteroids – Can have serious side effects cataracts, osteoporosis and muscle weakness – Short courses are better. Antihistamines – Oral medications and nasal sprays help with itching, sneezing and runny nose, less effect on congestion – Some cause drowsiness – Benadryl

Better Health. No Hassles. MORE TREATMENTS Decongestants – Oral or nasal sprays – Sudafed or Afrin – Caution with high blood pressure and prostate enlargement can make urination difficult – Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays > 3-4 days can worsen congestion Leukotriene modifiers – Singulair block excess mucus production Immunotherapy – Allergy shots Nasal lavage – Over the counter saline nasal spray

Better Health. No Hassles. PREVENTION Minimize exposure – Pollens and molds Close doors and windows Use air conditioning Avoid outdoor activity early am pollen counts higher HEPA filter in your bedroom Avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves Wear a dust mask.

Better Health. No Hassles. PREVENTION Dust mites – Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows Wash sheets and blankets in HOT water Vacuum carpets Consider carpet removal Pet dander – Remove pets from house Bathe pets weekly No pets in bedroom