What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever is a seasonal condition that is stimulated by grass, pollen or trees.
What is Rhinitis?
There are two types of rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis and Non-allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal passages caused from a reaction to animal dander, dust and pollen.
Non-allergic rhinitis will have similar if not the same symptoms as allergic rhinitis, but they are not caused from an allergy. Non-allergic rhinitis can be caused from pollution, smoke or other irritants such as strong odours. It can also be caused as a result of some medications.
Allergic Rhinitis:
The symptoms of allergic rhinitis occur as a result of your body protecting itself. Your immune system is activated causing symptoms such as sneezing and itchiness and post-nasal drip. This is a protection mechanism in order to remove the allergen that is seen as a foreign invader.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms for both hay fever and allergic rhinitis can be one, all or a combination of watery eyes, running or stuffy nose and itching of the eyes and nose. Others include fatigue, sleeping problems, sore throat, headaches, coughing and wheezing. The symptoms can vary in severity and can become debilitating interfering with daily activities and life. If your symptoms persist, it’s important to be checked by your health care professional.
Is there anything I can do?
There are several things that can help alleviate the symptoms. Unfortunately as each individual reacts differently, you may need to try a few things before you find what works best for you.
The best approach is avoidance of the allergen, however, this is possibly one of the hardest things achieve. The following are safe and effective approaches to help reduce your symptoms.
- Avoid known allergen such as cats and dogs where possible!
- Include herbs in cooking such as garlic, parsley and ginger. They contain anti-inflammatory properties and are high in vitamin C. Or add them to smoothies for a refreshing drink.
- Have a cup of peppermint or fenugreek tea. These help reduce inflammation and infection. Peppermint tea drunk cool is also soothing to the throat.
- Manuka money can help desensitise you to pollen as honey can have small traces of pollen. Manuka honey also contains many medicinal properties to help fight against allergic responses to pollen and inflammation. Add to your breakfast smoothie or a cup of tea.
- Eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. These contain natural anti-oxidants that help reduce inflammation, infection and can reduce the severity of your symptoms.
- Using an oil burner with essential oils such as tee tree, lemon, lavender and rosemary can help relieve symptoms. Alternatively using a steamer and inhaling them can also help move congestion of the upper respiratory tract.
- Dust your home regularly to avoid build up and keep bathrooms free of mould. When dusting use a damp cloth to avoid stirring up the dust into the air you breathe.
- Acupuncture has also been shown to help relieve symptoms by balancing energy flow in the body. It also supports and strengthens the immune system and can relieve congestion.
- Diluted calendula or chamomile dried herbal infusions can be used to sooth sore, red, itching eyes.
- If you live in Melbourne avoid going out into hot northerly winds as these winds blow large amounts of pollen southward bound.
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