Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Helping You Endure Seasonal Allergies

Woman enjoying the outdoors in richmond, va representing relief from allergic rhinitis and seasonal allergies

Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever or seasonal allergies, happens when your body has an allergic reaction to an allergen in the air. Your immune system tries to protect your body from the allergen, which is where symptoms come in. At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, our allergists and team are here to help you manage any symptoms you may have related to hay fever. If you’ve been suffering from seasonal allergies with no relief, we can help you find long-lasting relief.

What Causes Allergic Rhinitis?

Many different airborne irritants, or allergens, can cause or trigger allergic rhinitis. Not everyone will react to allergens, and not everyone will react to the same allergens, either. However, here are some of the most common allergens that may be the culprit of your seasonal allergies:

  • Grass, tree or ragweed pollen
  • Pet dust and dander
  • Mold
  • Dust mites
  • Cockroaches

Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

The signs and symptoms of hay fever can mimic a cold. However, hay fever is not contagious and should not be treated as a cold. It can present itself in several different ways, including:

  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Postnasal drip (which can cause a sore throat)
  • Coughing
  • Itchy, irritated and/or red eyes

  • Fatigue

  • Itchy throat and nose
  • Sinus headaches or sinus pressure

What Are The Risk Factors?

Some people may be more susceptible to allergic rhinitis than others. Some of these risk factors include:

  • Asthma, other allergies or eczema
  • Being exposed to an environment with allergens
  • A family history of allergies, asthma or eczema
  • Exposure to air pollution or cigarette smoke
Family smiling outdoors in richmond, va representing relief from allergic rhinitis and hay fever symptoms

How Hay Fever May Affect You

Unfortunately, hay fever can have a negative impact in many parts of your life. It can make you dread the fall or spring seasons when your seasonal allergies are at their worst. It can also make you tired, itchy and irritable from the host of symptoms you may be experiencing. This can impact your day-to-day life and activities, keep you from getting a good night’s sleep or even lead to ear infections, sinus infections or more severe complications down the road.

Allergic Rhinitis Treatment

At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, we’re here to help you find relief from your seasonal allergy symptoms. We have several different treatment options so you can go back to your day-to-day activities without worrying about how hay fever may affect you.

Allergy Medications

Allergy medications can certainly help with your symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines block your immune system’s response to the allergen, which can help ease your symptoms. These allergy medications usually come in the form of a pill and are taken daily.

Nasal Sprays

Over-the-counter nasal sprays are medications that are sprayed up your nose. These can help with nasal congestion and other symptoms such as sinus pressure by relieving inflammation. Types of nasal sprays include Nasacort® and Flonase®.

Immunotherapy

At RAAS, we offer several different types of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy includes Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) and Oral Immunotherapy (OIT). These therapies help your immune system build tolerance to allergens through gradual exposure. This can help prevent symptoms of allergic rhinitis from happening.

FAQs

If you have questions about allergic rhinitis, we have answers! If you’re suffering from allergic rhinitis, we’re here to help. Check out some of our most frequently asked questions below. Have additional questions? We’re happy to answer them during your next appointment, or you can give us a call at (804) 285-7420.

How can I prevent hay fever?

Follow these tips to help prevent seasonal allergies: Avoid touching your face. After going outside, take a shower and/or change your clothes to avoid spreading outdoor allergens inside. Wear a hat and sunglasses when venturing outdoors. Take off your shoes before coming inside. Make sure to cover your pillows and mattresses with hypoallergenic covers. Use air filters, especially in the bedroom, and vacuum regularly.

Yes, allergic rhinitis is often also called seasonal allergies or hay fever. This is because certain seasons, such as fall or spring, have more allergens in the air, which can increase your chance of developing it.

A cold usually goes away within a week or so. However, hay fever can last longer than a week, as long as there are still allergens in the air. A cold can also cause body aches, a fever, sore throat, and thicker mucus, while hay fever usually involves more itching, irritation and thin mucus.

If your seasonal allergies are negatively affecting your life, causing frequent sinus infections, sinusitis, ear infections, or if you are unable to find relief from over-the-counter options, we want to help! At Richmond Allergy & Asthma Specialists, we can help you find the best treatment for you so you can survive your seasonal allergies and return to your everyday activities with your symptoms under control. Contact us today!

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