Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is when the nose overreacts to things in the air such as pollen, dust or animal hair. In Afghanistan it is common in spring and summer when pollen and dust are high, but some people have it all year. It is not dangerous, but it can disturb sleep, work and school, and it often occurs together with asthma.
Symptoms
- Sneezing, often many times in a row
- Runny or blocked nose with clear, watery mucus
- Itchy nose, eyes, throat or roof of the mouth
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiredness and poor sleep
- Symptoms in the same season each year or after contact with dust
Causes
- Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds
- House dust and dust mites
- Animal hair and feathers
- Mould in damp rooms
- A family history of allergies, asthma or eczema
Prevention
- Keep windows closed on windy days and when pollen is high
- Wash your face and hands after being outside
- Clean the house with a damp cloth to reduce dust
- Wash bedding in hot water every week
- Avoid tobacco smoke
Treatment
- Antihistamine tablets such as cetirizine or loratadine
- A steroid nose spray, prescribed by a doctor, for frequent symptoms
- Salt-water nose rinses
- Allergy eye drops for itchy eyes
- Do not use decongestant nose sprays for more than a few days
- Do not start prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
Can hay fever turn into asthma?
Many people with hay fever also have asthma, and poorly controlled hay fever can make asthma worse. If you wheeze or feel short of breath, see a doctor.
Do antihistamines cause sleepiness?
Older antihistamines such as chlorphenamine often cause sleepiness. Newer ones such as cetirizine and loratadine cause much less, but take care when driving until you know how they affect you.