Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, almost 10% to 30% of the world’s population suffers from Hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Signs and symptoms of this exhausting condition can greatly influence daily life. Understanding allergic rhinitis causes, predisposing factors, and all the available treatment options goes a long way in managing it effectively.

What Is Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis refers to the inflammation of the internal lining of the nose or nasal mucosa. This happens as a reaction to allergens such as pollen, animal dander, and others. It is also called hay fever. Despite the name, the allergic rhinitis symptoms are not caused by hay itself. However, the term comes from the fact that these symptoms often appear during the hay harvesting period.

Patients of allergic rhinitis show such symptoms as:

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Nasal congestion

• Sinus headaches

The pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis involves an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity response. Among the most common allergic rhinitis causes is grass pollen. Moreover, during the spring and summer months, tree pollen is a major hay fever trigger in the country as well. Exposure to an irritant causes the body to release antibodies (IgE), and these antibodies bind to special cells (mast cells) in the internal lining of the nose.

In case of repeat exposure, the allergen or irritant directly attaches itself to these mast cells, triggering the release of histamine. Histamine is responsible for the typical allergic rhinitis symptoms of nasal congestion.

When it comes to types of hay fever, it can be divided into various types depending on its consistency, duration, and intensity. These include:

• Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: This type is usually referred to as hay fever. It is initiated by allergens like various forms of pollen and weeds. Seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs especially in a specific time of the year.

• Perennial Allergic Rhinitis: Perennial allergic rhinitis is triggered by irritants like pet dander, mold, dust mites, etc., and its symptoms persist all year.

• Occupational Allergic Rhinitis: As the name suggests, this type occurs due to exposure to occupation/workplace-related irritants like chemicals, animal proteins, etc.

• Non-Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis presents with similar symptoms as hay fever. However, it is not triggered by exposure to an irritant and there is no involvement of the immune system. Non-allergic rhinitis causes include smoke, air pollution, smog, intense fragrances, sudden changes in weather, hormonal fluctuations, and certain medications. Non-allergic rhinitis in Istanbul is very common due to sudden weather changes.

What Are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis?

Allergic rhinitis symptoms can occur regardless of the time. Typical symptoms of patients presenting with hay fever symptoms are as follows:

• Congestion of the nose, rhinorrhea (runny nose), nasal itching, and stuffiness.

• Sinus headaches, excessive mucous productions, and dark circles.

• Conjunctival congestion and discharge are also common, along with fatigue, post-nasal dripping, and throat irritation.

• Moreover, some individuals may have wheezing and coughing, as well as difficulty breathing.

What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?

The first main allergic rhinitis cause is exposure to a potential allergen. This triggers the body’s immune mechanisms, which mistakenly label the allergen as a foreign invader. Thus, initiating a chain of events that culminates in the form of allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Triggers of allergic rhinitis are divided into indoor allergens and outdoor allergens:

• Indoor Allergens: Include dust mites (bedding, carpets), animal dander (household pets), fungal spores (indoor mold), or the waste and saliva of cockroaches. Indoor allergens are a common cause of hay fever in a crowded, metropolitan city.

• Outdoor Triggers: Include tree pollen, grass pollen, sudden temperature fluctuations, weeds, etc.

How Do I Know If It's Allergic Rhinitis or Cold?

There is a lot of symptom overlap between allergic rhinitis and the common cold. Although allergic rhinitis is quite common, it is still recommended to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation. Generally, allergic rhinitis does not cause extreme tiredness or muscle pain, and it is not associated with fever. There is no such condition as "allergic rhinitis fever.”

Typically, allergic rhinitis is not associated with excessive fatigue and muscle aches. Raised temperature, malaise, body aches, etc., usually point towards an alternate diagnosis like the common cold. The symptoms of the common cold last for 7–10 days at most, while allergic rhinitis symptoms persist as long as the body is exposed to the causative allergen.

People presenting with allergic rhinitis symptoms usually have a positive family history of hay fever, asthma, or skin conditions like eczema. The best way to avoid allergic rhinitis in Turkey while visiting is to wear a mask outdoors, keep an eye on pollen-level forecasts, and stay inside during peak hours.

How Is Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing allergic rhinitis or hay fever by Immunology and Allergic Diseases specialists involves three steps:

1. Excluding other causes for the symptoms like the common cold.

2. A blood allergy test – to measure IgE antibody levels in the blood.

3. Intradermal test (Involves a finger-prick) – To identify the type of allergen.

When you go to a lab for allergic rhinitis symptoms in Turkey, the technician pricks your arm with various known allergens. In case of a positive test, the area with the offending allergen becomes red and itchy. If you are seeking a diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in Istanbul, the Medical Park Hospital is well-known for its world-class diagnostic tools and expertise.

How Are the Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms Treated?

Allergic rhinitis treatment options in Turkey include a combination of pills, sprays, eye drops, and injections. All these treatments involve medications such as:

• Antihistamines

• Anti-congestion drugs

• Steroids

• Leukotriene inhibitors

Another available option is immunotherapy treatment that aims to improve the body’s tolerance to various irritants.

The Medical Park Healthcare group is one of the most prestigious health groups in Turkey. With over 27 hospitals across the country, many patients avail allergic rhinitis treatments in Turkey at one of the many state-of-the-art Medical Park Hospitals. These prestigious institutions boast a combined 5300-bed capacity and more than 210 sterile operating rooms. International certifications like JCI are a testament to the unmatched healthcare services of the Medical Park Hospitals.