Allergic Rhinitis – Hay Fever
Allergic rhinitis is hypersensitivity of the nasal lining to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, moulds and animal dander. It affects roughly one in four or five people. Though it may look like a simple cold, it significantly impairs sleep, school and work performance, and is closely linked with asthma, sinusitis and middle ear problems.
Symptoms
- Sneezing fits; itching of the nose, palate and eyes
- Profuse watery discharge and blockage
- Watery, red eyes
- Postnasal drip, reduced smell, chronic tiredness
Seasonal symptoms peak in spring and summer (pollen); perennial symptoms are worst in the morning and indoors (mites, mould, pets).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis rests on the history and ENT examination. Skin prick tests or blood-specific IgE can identify the responsible allergen. Examination also reveals aggravating structural problems such as polyps or septal deviation.
Treatment
- Allergen avoidance: the foundation. Keep windows closed in pollen season and shower after coming indoors; for mites, minimise carpets and plush toys in the bedroom, use allergen-proof covers and wash bedding at 60°C.
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays: the most effective drug class; safe with regular use and not addictive (not to be confused with decongestant sprays).
- Antihistamines: rapidly reduce sneezing, itching and discharge.
- Saline rinses: regular salt-water irrigation eases symptoms.
- Immunotherapy (allergy vaccination): the only treatment that can change the course of the disease in selected patients; given as drops/tablets under the tongue or injections over 3–5 years.
When to see an ENT specialist
If blockage persists despite medication, symptoms are one-sided, smell is lost, or sinusitis and snoring coexist, an examination is needed — a structural problem added to the allergy is common in these situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is hypersensitivity of the nasal lining to substances such as pollen, house dust mites, moulds and animal dander. It affects roughly one in four or five people and, although it can look like a simple cold, it significantly impairs sleep and work or school performance.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
The most typical symptoms are sneezing fits; itching of the nose, palate and eyes; and profuse watery discharge with blockage. Watery red eyes, postnasal drip, reduced sense of smell and chronic tiredness can also occur.
Is allergic rhinitis seasonal or year-round?
It can be either. Seasonal symptoms peak in spring and summer when pollen is high, while perennial symptoms are driven by mites, mould and pets and tend to be worst in the morning and indoors.
How is allergic rhinitis treated?
Treatment is built on allergen avoidance, supported by saline rinses, antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroid sprays, which are the most effective drug class. In selected patients, immunotherapy (allergy vaccination) given over 3-5 years is the only treatment that can change the course of the disease.
When should I see an ENT specialist for allergies?
You should be examined if the blockage persists despite medication, if symptoms are one-sided, if your sense of smell is lost, or if sinusitis or snoring coexist. In these cases a structural problem such as septal deviation, polyps or turbinate enlargement is often added to the allergy.
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