Rhinitis Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Hayfever is a condition that affects the quality of life of millions of people around the world. Below, we will discuss its causes and treatments:

Allergic rhinitis, particularly hayfever, is a condition that affects millions worldwide.

Characterised by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy nose, this condition can be particularly bothersome, impacting both the quality of life and productivity of individuals.

We understand that living with hayfever is not easy. So, let’s discuss the symptoms, causes and possible treatments to improve your quality of life. Read on:

1. Symptoms of hayfever

The symptoms of hayfever can range from mild to severe and often include:

Repeated Sneezing: One of the most common symptoms, sneezing often occurs in prolonged episodes, especially when exposed to allergens.

Nasal Congestion: A feeling of a blocked nose due to swelling of the nasal membranes and increased mucus production.

Runny Nose: Nasal discharge, often clear and watery, is another characteristic symptom.

Itchy Nose, Eyes, and Throat: Itchiness can extend to the eyes and throat, causing additional discomfort.

Watery Eyes: Hayfever can cause increased tear production, especially when associated with seasonal allergies.

Fatigue: Due to continuous discomfort and often sleep disruption caused by the symptoms, it is common to feel tired. (link to our article about fatigue)

These symptoms can vary in intensity throughout the day and are often exacerbated by exposure to triggers such as dust, pollen, pet dander, and mould.

2. Causes of hayfever

Hayfever can be triggered by various factors, the most common being:

Allergies: Hayfever is caused by the immune system's reaction to substances that are typically harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould spores.

When an allergic person is exposed to these allergens, their immune system releases histamine and other chemicals, causing inflammation and mucus production in the nasal passages.

Weather Changes: Changes in temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure can worsen rhinitis symptoms, particularly in sensitive individuals.

Extreme cold, wind, and air pollution are environmental factors that can trigger symptoms in people with hayfever.

Irritants: Cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals, strong perfumes, and even certain spicy foods can irritate the nasal passages and trigger symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis.

Infections: Viral rhinitis, such as the common cold, is caused by respiratory infections and can present symptoms similar to allergic rhinitis, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and sneezing.

Overuse of Nasal Decongestants: Prolonged use of nasal decongestant sprays can lead to a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa, where continued use of the medication causes rebound nasal congestion. Rhinitis medicamentosa is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa caused by the overuse of topical nasal decongestants.

3. Treatments for hayfever

The treatment of hayfever depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. Treatment options include:

Antihistamines: Medications like Histallay are often recommended for treating allergic rhinitis or hayfever. They work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance released by the immune system in response to allergens.

By blocking histamine, antihistamines help reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching. Histallay is a non-sedative option, which can be useful during the day for those needing to remain alert and productive.

Nasal Corticosteroids: These sprays help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and are effective in treating persistent rhinitis symptoms.

They are particularly useful for treating nasal congestion and can be used alone or in combination with antihistamines.

Decongestants: Available in tablet form or nasal sprays, decongestants help relieve nasal congestion by reducing the swelling of blood vessels in the nasal passages. However, they should not be used for more than a few consecutive days to avoid the risk of rebound congestion.

Immunotherapy: Also known as desensitisation, immunotherapy involves administering increasing doses of allergens to help the immune system become less sensitive to them.

 

This treatment may be an option for those with severe allergic rhinitis who do not respond well to other treatments.

 

Saline Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation with saline solution can help clear mucus and allergens from the nasal passages, providing symptomatic relief.

This method is safe for regular use and can be particularly helpful during periods of high allergen exposure.

 

Lifestyle Changes and Environmental Control: Minimising exposure to allergens is an essential part of managing hayfever. This may include using air filters, keeping the home dust-free, and avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritants.

In the case of seasonal allergic rhinitis, closing windows and using air conditioning during pollen season can help reduce symptoms.

Histallay as a Solution for hayfever

Histallay is designed to help manage hayfever effectively. As a second-generation antihistamine, it is formulated to provide symptom relief with a lower likelihood of drowsiness compared to first-generation antihistamines.

This makes Histallay an ideal choice for those who need relief from allergic symptoms but also need to maintain their daily routine without interruptions.

Additionally, Histallay has been reported to provide relief within an hour after ingestion in many cases.

Conclusion

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for effectively managing hayfever. Histallay may be a suitable option for those seeking relief from hayfever symptoms, with a lower risk of drowsiness, helping individuals maintain their daily activities with less interruption.

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment for hayfever, especially if the symptoms are persistent or severe.

 

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