Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
Allergic Rhinitis (commonly called Hay Fever) is caused by inhaling airborne particles to which
you may be allergic. These are called allergens. Out of the more than 67 million Americans who
suffer from allergies, 24-40 million suffer from an airborne allergy, such as hay fever or allergic rhinitis.
These allergies are caused by:
- Pollen
- Pet dander
- Dust particles
- Mold spores
Plants like ragweed, cattail and maple tree release their pollen to initiate their reproductive processes
with nearby plants of their species. Pollens are carried by the wind, so not all of them reach their
targets, and instead they land on you. For that reason, too, pollen is frequently present in the air we
breathe. Weather forecasts are important signals - pollen can't travel in the rain.
If you are an individual sensitive to pollen, you will experience an allergic reaction.
Taking into account the airborne allergens listed above, there are two forms of allergic rhinitis: Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (also called Hay Fever or Pollinosis) and Perennial Allergic Rhinitis. (Click HERE to learn about treatment options).
Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis occurs during specific flowering periods when plants are
shedding their pollen. In general, trees flower in the spring, grasses in the summer and weeds in the fall.
The weather forecast is a powerful tool in anticipating high pollen days.
Perennial Rhinitis, on the other hand, is characterized for it's year-round allergy symptoms. Most symptoms are due to pet dander, dust, mold in the house, etc. The weather forecast will do little to help you prepare these symptons.
General symptoms of these types of allergies include:
- sneezing
- clear and watery nasal discharge and congestion
- itchy eyes, nose, and throat
- watery eyes
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