What is hay fever?

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction often triggered by pollen, resembling common cold symptoms.

Unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. The condition results from the immune system perceiving harmless environmental substances like pollen as dangerous invaders. This misidentification leads to an allergic reaction, causing symptoms that significantly affect quality of life.

The body’s response to these perceived threats includes the release of histamines, which are chemicals in the immune system that cause inflammation and symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and other discomforts typical of a cold.

These reactions are essentially the body’s way of attempting to remove what it wrongly considers harmful. This condition can vary in severity and may be seasonal, depending on the allergens involved.

Symptoms of hay fever

Hay fever can cause a wide range of symptoms similar to those of a common cold but triggered by allergens rather than a virus.

Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with hay fever:

• Nasal symptoms: This includes a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing. The nasal discharge is usually thin and clear.
• Eye symptoms: Watery, red, or itchy eyes are common. This is often referred to as allergic conjunctivitis.
• Throat and ear issues: Many people with hay fever experience a sore or itchy throat, which can be due to postnasal drip. Itching in the ears or a plugged ear sensation can also occur.
• Skin reactions: Some individuals might experience itchy skin or eczema as part of their allergic response.
• Smell and taste disturbances: Hay fever can impair your sense of smell and taste.
• Fatigue: Ongoing discomfort from hay fever symptoms can lead to fatigue, especially if symptoms disrupt sleep.

These symptoms arise because the immune system responds to airborne allergens by releasing histamines, leading to inflammation that causes these discomforts.

What causes hay fever?

Hay fever is generally triggered by allergens, which are harmless substances that cause an allergic reaction in certain individuals.

Different allergens may trigger hay fever symptoms, and some people may be sensitive to several.

The most common triggers of hay fever include:

• Pollen: This is the most notorious trigger for hay fever. Trees, grasses, and weeds release these tiny grains into the air to fertilize other plants, and they can provoke severe allergic reactions when inhaled.
• Dust mites: These microscopic creatures thrive in warm, humid environments, feeding on human skin flakes. Their droppings are potent allergens and can trigger hay fever symptoms, especially when disturbed by activities like cleaning.
• Pet dander: Proteins found in the skin flakes, urine, and saliva of furry pets like cats and dogs can cause allergic reactions. Pet dander can be particularly problematic because it is small, sticky, and can remain airborne for long periods.
• Mold spores: Molds produce spores that float in the air like pollen and can induce hay fever. Mold can grow indoors in places like bathrooms and basements or outdoors in piles of leaves or mulch.
• Outdoor air pollution: Air pollutants such as diesel exhaust particles can exacerbate hay fever symptoms by enhancing the response to allergens in susceptible individuals.
• Cigarette smoke: Both firsthand and secondhand smoke can irritate the nasal passages and exacerbate allergy symptoms.
• Strong odors and perfumes: Chemicals in fragrances and other strong odors can act as irritants, triggering nasal congestion and other hay fever symptoms.
• Certain foods: Some fruits and vegetables, such as celery, apples, melons, and bananas, may trigger hay fever symptoms in some individuals due to cross-reactivity with pollen.

How is hay fever treated?

Treating hay fever involves a combination of prevention strategies and medical treatments to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The treatment approach can vary depending on the severity of the symptoms and the specific allergens causing the reaction.

Here’s an overview of the comprehensive treatment strategies for hay fever:

Avoidance of allergens

The first step in managing hay fever effectively is to minimize exposure to the allergens that trigger symptoms. This may involve staying indoors during peak pollen periods, using air purifiers at home, or avoiding pets if they cause a reaction.

Medications

Various over-the-counter and prescription medications can relieve hay fever symptoms:

• Antihistamines: These drugs help alleviate sneezing, itching, and runny nose by blocking histamine, a substance your body makes during an allergic reaction. Examples include cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine.
• Decongestants: Available as pills, liquids, or nasal sprays, these medications can temporarily relieve nasal stuffiness. Nasal spray versions should be used for only a few days to avoid rebound effects.
• Nasal corticosteroids: These are among the most effective medications for preventing and treating nasal symptoms of hay fever, including congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Fluticasone, budesonide, and mometasone are common examples.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists: Drugs like montelukast can block the action of certain immune system chemicals and are sometimes used in combination with other allergy medications.

Immunotherapy

For those who do not respond well to medications or wish to reduce long-term medication use, immunotherapy can be an option. This treatment involves regular injections or oral tablets of a small amount of the allergen, with the dose gradually increasing over time to build tolerance to the allergens. It’s a more long-term solution that can decrease sensitivity to allergens.

Nasal irrigation

Using a saline solution to irrigate the nasal passages can help relieve nasal congestion, irritation, and runny nose. Devices like neti pots or saline nasal sprays can be used to perform this cleansing process.

How can DrHouse help?

DrHouse offers a convenient telehealth service that allows patients to receive medical consultations from the comfort of their own home, 24/7. With just a few taps on your smartphone, you can connect with qualified healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and treatment for a wide range of conditions, including hay fever and other allergies.

Here is a list of how DrHouse can assist with hay fever management:

• Diagnosis and treatment: Our healthcare professionals can help determine if your symptoms are caused by hay fever or another condition and provide appropriate treatment recommendations.
• Prescription refills: If you have been prescribed medication for your hay fever, our healthcare professionals can issue a refill prescription after assessing your current symptoms.
• 24/7 access to medical experts: With DrHouse, you can access qualified healthcare professionals 24/7, so you don’t have to wait for a doctor’s appointment or visit an urgent care clinic.
• Convenience and flexibility: Our telehealth service allows you to consult with a doctor from anywhere at any time, making it convenient and flexible for your busy schedule.
• Continuity of care: If you regularly use DrHouse for your healthcare needs, our healthcare professionals can keep track of your medical history and provide personalized treatment recommendations based on your health profile.

At DrHouse, we understand that managing hay fever symptoms can be challenging, and we are here to support you in finding the right treatment approach. With our telehealth service, you can conveniently access quality healthcare without having to leave your home.

Download the DrHouse app today and take control of your hay fever symptoms. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

When to see a doctor for hay fever?

You should consider consulting a doctor if your hay fever symptoms are severe, persistent, or significantly impacting your quality of life. Additionally, it is essential to seek medical advice if over-the-counter medications do not provide relief or if you have underlying health conditions that may complicate hay fever treatment.

Can hay fever be treated online?

Yes, hay fever can be treated online through telehealth services like DrHouse. Our healthcare professionals can provide diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and prescription refills for hay fever through virtual consultations.

Can I get a prescription for hay fever medication from DrHouse?

Yes, if our healthcare professionals determine that you require medication for your hay fever symptoms, they can provide a prescription through our telehealth platform. However, please note that we do not prescribe controlled substances or narcotics.