Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Due to Contaminated Air Particles
Allergic rhinitis is an illness that causes problems in the nose as a result of several ignored allergies which exist inmicroscopic air particles like: dust, animal dander, or pollen. Certain food items can also trigger symptoms associated with the allergy. Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, causes common cold-like signs and symptoms, like, a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. This is why it is generally easily confused with common cold. Other than making you miserable, hay fever can influence your performance at work or school and interfere with your life.
Symptoms of hay fever
Here are the warning signs of hay fever.
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Watery, itchy, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
- Sneezing
- Cough
- Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
- Tired, droppy face
- Nasal crease, causing the feeling to rub the nose in upwards direction
- Mouth breathing
Distinguishing hay fever from common cold
| Common Cold | Allergic Rhinitis |
|---|---|
| Sore throat (common). | Sore throat (not common). |
| Symptoms appear a few days after infection. | Symptoms appear immediately when exposed to an allergen. |
| Typically lasts 3 – 7 days | Lasts only as long as you’re exposed to allergens |
| Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge | Runny nose with thin, watery discharge |
| Can include body aches | No body aches |
| Does not cause watery and itchy eyes | Often causes watery and itchy eyes |
| Can include low-grade fever | No fever |
How to avoid Hay Fever?
There are several ways in which you can fight the fever. It’s best to start from home. Here are some ways to prevent the allergy.
1. Regular cleanings
Your home can be residence to several allergy causing pathogens and what not! You wouldn’t know how much dust is accumulated in your carpet or sofas. Run a thorough cleaning using a vacuum cleaner.
2. Spring/Fall Clean
The prolonged presence of dead vegetation in the yard can cause the buildup of disease causing molds. Rake your yard to get rid of all fallen leaves and dead vegetation.
3. Bathe your pets
This has to be done more often that you think due to the fact that your pet could be home to ticks and insects that might cause hay fever.
4. Buy high quality purifiers to purify the air
Air purifiers help remove almost all the pollutants in your house. Alpine Air Purification System covers utilizing both activated oxygen and negative ions. They oxidize the molecules which cause odors that could contaminate indoor air and aggravate allergic reactions such as sneezing, sinus and ear irritations, asthma, and itchy eyes by significantly reducing chemical gases, paint fumes, tobacco smoke, fungi and mold.
