Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Causes and Treatment

Allergic rhinitis is caused by the body overreacting to certain substances. These substances are called allergens. Examples of allergens include tree, grass, weed and grain pollens, house dust mites, cat and dog allergens, and mold and fungal spores.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

• Thick, clear nasal discharge,
• Itching of the eyes, nose, back of the nose, palate and ears,
• Nasal congestion,
• Sneezing,
• A feeling of fullness in the face and sinuses,
• Postnasal drip,
• Cough,
• Reduced sense of smell,
• Watery, red eyes and puffiness and dark circles under the eyes,
• Fatigue.

What are the types of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

Allergic rhinitis is divided into two types: seasonal and year-round (perennial). Seasonal allergic rhinitis is caused mainly by outdoor substances, most often pollen. Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by indoor substances, most often house dust mites.

Allergic rhinitis may be mild and not affect daily life, or it may be more severe, affecting daily life and causing disturbed sleep, difficulty concentrating and constant tiredness.

Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis:

The patient's history is the most important element. Along with the history, examination findings help support the diagnosis. In addition, special skin and blood tests can be performed to determine which allergens are responsible.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis:

Avoidance is important in treatment. In pollen allergy, contact with pollen should be avoided as much as possible and pollen should be kept from getting into the home. In house dust allergies, it is important to prevent allergens from forming and accumulating in the home.

Recommendations for Patients with Allergic Rhinitis

• Rinse and clean your nose with water 4–5 times a day.
• Do not use shaggy carpets in the rooms where you sleep and spend time at home, and air these rooms out every day.
• Do not keep woolen or dust-collecting armchairs, cushions, objects or toys in the room.
• If you use a blanket, use it inside a duvet cover.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a water filter at home.
• Vacuum your home 1–2 times a week.
• Do not use pillows, quilts or mattresses made of organic materials such as cotton, wool or feathers.
• Choose hypoallergenic fiber or viscoelastic (memory foam) products.
• Wash pillowcases and bed linen frequently in hot water with laundry detergent and dry them in the sun.
• Once or twice a month, place items such as pillows and quilts in a plastic storage bag and vacuum the dust out of them.
• Do not smoke; if you do, quit.
• Try to stay away from strong odors.
• Do not keep furry pets at home.
• Do not dry your laundry indoors.
• Clean areas that encourage mold growth, such as shower cabins, sinks and trash cans, with detergent and bleach.
• If possible, do not go out during the hours when allergen levels are high.
• Wear long-sleeved tops and long trousers when going out.
• Change your clothes when you get home and, if possible, take a shower.

In addition to these measures, medication is necessary, especially in patients with moderate to severe disease. Various nasal sprays and oral medications can be used for this purpose. In addition, allergy shots (immunotherapy) can be given to suitable patients with severe allergies.

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are linked diseases. About 35–40 percent of patients with allergic rhinitis develop asthma, and this risk is more pronounced in those who are not treated.

If you are not sure whether your symptoms are allergic, if the medications you use are not effective or cause side effects, or if there are accompanying conditions such as nasal polyps, asthma or recurrent sinusitis, you should be examined as soon as possible without delay.