Healthy Life
Itchy eyes, runny nose and frequent sneezing affect many people in spring.
But although seasonal allergies tend to occur at this time of year, allergic rhinitis, the medical term for hay fever, can strike at any time, depending on what’s causing the allergy.
Root causes of hay fever
The most common environmental allergens – substances that cause allergic rhinitis – are pollen, grass seeds, dust, house dust mites, pet dander, pollution, and mold spores.
“Worldwide, allergic rhinitis is said to be on the rise and it’s believed that pollution may be the underlying cause,” says Dr Gary Middleton, a GP at Mediclinic Tzaneen.
Untreated allergic rhinitis affects your quality of life. In children, it can lead to complications such as infections, delayed speech, and impaired hearing. But treatment for allergic rhinitis can be very effective, provided the condition is medically diagnosed and managed.
Find the pattern
The first step towards diagnosing and treating a seasonal allergy is to take a good look at the patient’s medical history, says Dr Middleton. “We often see recurring infections, such as a middle ear infection caused by persistent nasal congestion. Or there might be medical conditions such as asthma that flare up at the same time every year. This is usually a sign that seasonal allergies are playing a role.”
Take an allergy test
The next step is to identify what the sufferer is allergic to and minimise exposure to the substance – but that’s easier said than done. “It’s not always possible to avoid pollution, move premises, or banish a beloved family pet,” Dr Middleton points out. The two tests to take are:
- A radioallergosorbent (RAST) blood test determines what substances you might be allergic to.
- A Phadiotop test determines whether the allergy is being caused by something in your environment.
These tests are useful if, for example, you’re allergic to house dust mites. You could then take measures to eliminate them from your home by removing carpets and regularly vacuuming curtains, cushions, mattresses and bedding.
Best treatment options for hay fever
Most environmental allergens are hard to eliminate, so Dr Middleton suggests adopting a treatment protocol of either daily oral antihistamines and/or inhaled corticosteroids. Both antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays are very effective in treating allergic rhinitis and have few side-effects – provided they’re used correctly.
“I tell my patients to take antihistamines at night in case it makes them drowsy, and to use their left hand to squirt nasal spray up their right nostril and vice versa. This ensures that that the spray gets to the appropriate place and doesn’t irritate the nasal septum.”
Know the signs
If you suspect that you have a seasonal allergy or are allergic to something in your environment, consult your GP. Persistent bad breath, nightly snoring, ongoing nasal congestion or repeated upper respiratory infections are all signs that you may be suffering from allergies.
Doctors 1
Medically reviewed by