Hay fever is a common illness, and it is also called allergic rhinitis. Hence, one can get it from a short period, year-long, or occupational. It is an irritation that affects the nose. Also, it can become a long term if you will not seek proper treatment.
1. Common Signs
People with this illness may experience the following signs.
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Cough
- Itchy nose and throat
- Pain
- And itchy skin
2. Hay Fever and other Illness
It is good to know that sign of this illness is also similar to other conditions. For example, cold has almost the same signs. Hence, the difference is that cold will give you fever ad body pains. Also, the treatment for both illnesses differs.
Other Illnesses
Here are other conditions with the same signs as hay fever.
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Sinusitis
- Irritant rhinitis
- Head cold
Moreover, these illnesses can also give you a fever. Despite its name, it is not usual for one to develop a fever.
3. Signs in Babies and Children
Allergic rhinitis is common for both babies and children, so it is very important to get relief right away. Therefore, babies need quick medical attention. The signs can become serious with babies than in children. It may grow into a long term health issue such as asthma and ear infection. According to studies, family history might dictate if it will develop into asthma.
Children may find it more challenging to deal with signs. Therefore, it can give them a hard time sleeping and concentrating. Mostly, signs are very close to a common cold but do not include fever.
4. Long term Effect
This allergic reaction will start quickly right after having contact with an allergen. In the case of long term signs, one can develop:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Ear problem
- Weakness
- Eye irritation
Having these signs for a long time will lead to:
- Sleep problem
- Less productivity
- Vision problem
- Asthma
- Serious ear problem
- Sinusitis
5. Possible Causes
Having direct contact with an allergen can make you sick. Hence, you can get in while indoor or outside your home. Here are some things that can activate an allergic reaction.
- Pet hair
- Pollen
- Dust mites
- Smoke
- Perfume
- Mold and fungi
Therefore the body’s immune system will react to it, and it will think of it as harmful to the body. Thus, the body will produce antibodies to protect the body. As a result, the body will produce a chemical that will cause signs of hay fever.
6. Other Causes
Furthermore, some people only experience signs depending on the time of the year. For instance, some get it during winter or springtime. It may come from the outside environment. However, other allergens come from indoor places like the smell of cockroaches, dust mites, and molds.
7. Causes of Serious Signs
A simple irritation can develop into a serious case because of pollutant in the air, such as:
- Dust from the wind
- Wood smoke
- Tobacco smoke
- Air pollution
- Bad odor
8. When to see a doctor?
The first signs of this illness are not serious and deadly. Therefore, a test is not necessary when it is diagnosed. In case you are not getting well after taking medicines, then visit your doctor. You may request for an allergy test t find out the real cause of it. It is good to visit your doctor if:
- signs last longer than a week
- your signs stop you from doing your regular activities
- over-the-counter drugs are not helping you
- you are experiencing other health illness
- you have worse signs
- signs are all year round
- medicines have side effects
9. Self Help
A person who always experiences signs of it can take preventive steps. Likewise, there are safety precautions that you can do to protect yourself. The following are things to do:
- If you are staying away from the pollen, wearing sunglasses and a face mask can help.
- Also, taking a bath and changing clothes after going outside can protect you from allergens.
- Moreover, staying indoor during winter and spring can help.
- Additionally, putting petroleum jelly on the outside of the nose opening can trap pollens.
