Issue link: https://www.hub.camaf.co.za/i/599769
19 WhAT is ALLerGiC rhiniTis? Allergic rhinitis (Ar) is the swelling of the nasal passages, usually associated with watery nasal discharge and itching of the nose and eyes. Allergic nasal disorders are divided into two main types: the seasonal form which is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or more commonly as hay fever, and secondly the year-round form known as perennial allergic rhinitis. With seasonal hayfever, spring (September to November) is often a particularly miserable time for allergy sufferers. Just as winter ends and the tree blossoms appear, asthma, hayfever, allergic conjunctivitis and even eczema begin to flare up. However, for some individuals allergic only to plants flowering in autumn, this may be the problem time for them. a person may have any or all of the following: • Severe bouts of sneezing, especially in the morning • Intense itching of the nose and of the palate and even the ear canals • Watery nasal mucus • Stuffy nose all the time or during specific seasons • itchy and teary eyes • Eyes are sensitive to light • reddened, pebbly lining in the lower eyelids • Breathing through the mouth • snoring • Rabbit-like movements of the nose • repeated nosebleeds • Dizziness or nausea, related to ear problems • Nasal voice because of blocked nasal passages • irritability • headaches WhAT CAUses hAy fever? Allergens which cause hay fever are the pollens of grass, trees and a few weed species, all of which are wind-pollinated. it is only the small, light wind-borne pollens which cause the allergic reaction in the nose. Certain tasks such as mowing the lawn during the pollen season will aggravate symptoms of hay fever. perennial allergic rhinitis (that occurs all year round) is mainly caused by house dust mite, animals and moulds. Pollen levels are usually highest in the mid morning, and larger amounts are present on hot windy days. During hot humid weather, especially after thunderstorms, pollen grains tend to rupture releasing fine starch granules into the air which are highly allergenic and can penetrate deeply into the lungs. In South Africa, because of the warm climate, our grass seasons are very long and may continue for 9 months resulting in symptoms for long periods.