SEASONAL ALLERGY – ALLERGIC RHINITIS
Seasonal allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a condition in which the immune system of people who are allergic to pollen treats pollen particles as “invaders”.
Seasonal allergy occurs at certain times of the year, specifically when plants and insects release tiny pollen particles into the air to pollinate other plants.
When pollen and tiny particles (known as allergens) enter the body of allergic patients, the immune system is activated to deal with the particles and releases chemicals into the blood (such as histamine).
The release of these chemicals causes allergy symptoms. The type to which someone is allergic determines when symptoms are likely to occur.
Seasonal allergy – Allergic rhinitis in children
The appearance of seasonal allergy in children can occur at any age even if they had not manifested symptoms of allergic rhinitis in previous years. Children up to 2 years of age will rarely experience seasonal allergy or allergic rhinitis, while usually by 20 years of age, seasonal allergy symptoms will have appeared.
Seasonal allergy in children. What are the symptoms?
If your child has cold symptoms around the same time each year then you should suspect that your child may be suffering from a seasonal allergy.
Seasonal allergy symptoms appear suddenly and can last as long as there is exposure to the allergens. Such symptoms may be:
Sneezing, itchy nose, throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, eye irritation.
Symptoms involving red eyes and itchy eyes are also known as allergic conjunctivitis.
Children who experience coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing, in addition to the above seasonal allergy symptoms, may develop asthma in the future.
How can I learn if I have a seasonal allergy?
Your allergist will ask you questions to get a complete medical history. He may ask you if the symptoms appear during a specific period or if you have been exposed to certain allergens. In case he considers it necessary, he will urge you to do special blood tests or skin tests. In many cases, overlapping both methods is required for increasd reliability.
Blood tests can be for single allergens (RAST) or specialized allergen PANELs to detect a wider range of allergens.
Startbio answers your questions about allergies.
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Seasonal allergy – Prevention – Treatment.
Treatment for seasonal allergy and allergic rhinitis varies depending on how bothersome the symptoms are, and which allergens there is sensitivity to.
In specific cases of seasonal allergy, a preventive measure can be closing windows, using air conditioning instead of fresh air, especially in cases where dust levels are high, as well as washing hands, and changing clothes when entering the house.
When it is not possible to reduce the time of exposure to the various allergens, the Allergist may suggest medication.
Medication may include antihistamines for the eyes and nose, or even immunotherapy.