Seasonal allergic rhinitis is often better known by alternate names like hayfever. This term is a bit inaccurate given that hayfever encompasses other symptoms that may present with rhinitis. Rhinitis refers more specifically to nasal symptoms that might include sneezing, itchy nose and runny or congested nose, while hayfever could suggest itchy eyes, too. A few things are clearer because this rhinitis is seasonal; it usually is associated specifically with an allergy to pollen. Year round allergies to dust mites or mold are referred to as perennial allergies.
The most common symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis are sneezing, irritated nose, and nasal congestion. In most cases these are accompanied by runny or itchy eye symptoms and some people develop asthma. Period of allergies tends to correspond to seasons when pollen levels are highest. Allergies may be greatest when people are outdoors during the spring and fall.
The extent of the season may depend on a person’s individual allergies. Some people are allergic to tree pollens like oak, and others are most sensitive to pollens released by grasses. Many people have sensitivity to more than one type of pollen and may find their symptoms waxing and waning, as these pollens are more available.
A number of treatments exist for seasonal allergic rhinitis. Oral antihistamines may be purchased over the counter. Newer types of these correspond to fewer undesirable symptoms like sleepiness. Some people find relief in oral decongestants or take a medication that combines antihistamine and decongestant.
Additionally, seasonal allergic rhinitis may be combated with prescribed oral antihistamines. Another way people may treat this condition is with prescribed corticosteroid or antihistamine nasal sprays. These have the advantage of targeting the sinuses, which may greatly reduce nasal symptoms and don’t have any of the disadvantages of oral medications that treat allergies systemically.
There are some methods of avoiding the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis or of possibly reducing symptoms to a degree. These include avoiding the outdoors during times when pollen counts are particularly high; this method may work better if people have had allergy testing to determine the pollens that create greatest allergies. Others swear by daily nasal rinsing as a means of cleaning pollen out of the sinuses. This might help to a degree, but inflammatory response to pollen could have already been triggered and nasal symptoms might not be fully addressed.
People should know that seasonal allergic rhinitis ceases to be seasonal when allergies occur all the time. Some people might require treatment year round for allergies to other common indoor substances. Typically the same types of treatment are advocated. They are simply used for the full year instead of for the hayfever season.
