What is hay fever (allergic rhinitis)?

What is hay fever (allergic rhinitis)? What should be done to protect yourself?

The word rhinitis means inflammation of the nose. Allergic rhinitis means nasal inflammation caused by allergy. It occurs when allergens adhere to the airway mucosa in the nose and trigger inflammatory reactions. The type that occurs in certain seasons (in the spring months when pollens are flying) is called seasonal rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is also known as hay fever. There is also a type of allergic rhinitis that lasts throughout the year, called perennial rhinitis. The cause of perennial rhinitis is usually allergenic factors present in the environment all year round, such as animal dander, various chemicals or house dust. If the necessary precautions are taken and appropriate treatment is given, it is possible to reduce the number of attacks of the disease.

What are the causes of allergic rhinitis?

1. The most important cause of allergic rhinitis is pollen flying in the air, and trees,
2. Similar reactions can also develop against allergens such as mold, animal dander, house dust and mites,
3. In dry and windy weather the amount of pollen is high and the incidence of allergic rhinitis also increases,
4. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused especially by tree pollens that appear in the spring months,
5. Year-round allergic rhinitis is caused by cockroaches and house dust mites,
6. Keeping animals such as dogs, cats and birds at home can increase the severity of allergic rhinitis,

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What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis?

1. The most commonly observed symptoms of allergic rhinitis are as follows:
2. Runny nose
3. Nasal congestion
4. Sneezing
5. Itching of the nose, palate and ears
6. Postnasal drip
7. Cough
8. Fatigue
9. Difficulty smelling
10. If allergic conjunctivitis is also present: itching, watering and redness of the eyes
11. In long-standing cases of allergic rhinitis, a high-arched palate and dental problems due to constant mouth breathing

In addition, in untreated cases of allergic rhinitis, sleep disorders, attention deficit, impaired concentration, anxiety and depression may be observed.

How is allergic rhinitis treated?

Avoiding the factors that cause/trigger allergic rhinitis and medication form the basis of treatment of the disease.
Antihistamines and cortisone-containing sprays are the most commonly used medications in treatment. There are also supportive measures such as nasal rinsing.
In addition to medication, another treatment method is "immunotherapy", in which a vaccine can be given with the allergen (the substance that causes the allergy).