Noses that ‘run’
Hay fever, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, occurs when the immune system overreacts to particles in the air that you breathe in.
IN Malaysia, haze often takes centre stage in conversations during the dry spells from May to October when the prevailing winds blow the smoke from forest fires in Indonesia towards Malaysia.
It is one of the more common reasons why many Malaysians suffer from airway ailments such as nasal congestion and runny nose to chronic bronchitis and asthma attacks.
Haze is an aggregation in the environment of very fine, widely dispersed solid or liquid, or both, particles, in relatively dry air, giving the air an opalescent appearance.
Haze contains dust and smoke particles. It also contains air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide and particulate matter.
Due to the small particulate size, the particles that make up haze can go deep into the lungs.
When inhaled over a period of time, it can aggravate underlying allergic rhinitis problems. Haze irritates the nose, which causes it to secrete more mucus to protect and flush out extra particles.
And when the mucus builds up, the nasal passages then become blocked, congested, and may even swell.
Allergic rhinitis defined
Allergic rhinitis develops when the body’s immune system becomes sensitised and overreacts to something in the environment that typically causes no problems in most people.
Allergic rhinitis is also commonly known as hay fever. Contrary to its name, you don’t have to be exposed to hay to get hay fever, nor a fever when you are actually suffering from it.
Two different types of allergic rhinitis are:
● Seasonal: Usually caused by allergic sensitivity to airborne mould spores or to pollens from grass, trees and weeds.
● Perennial: Generally caused by dust mites, pet hair, cockroaches or mould. Underlying or hidden food allergies rarely cause perennial nasal symptoms. People with perennial allergic rhinitis experience symptoms year-round.
Some people may experience both types of rhinitis, with perennial symptoms getting worse during specific pollen seasons.
There are also non-allergenic causes for rhinitis.
Signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis include a runny or stuffy nose due to blockage or congestion; red, itchy and watery eyes; puffy eyelids; sneezing; and even coughing.
Symptoms may also be triggered by common allergens such as haze, cigarette smoke, strong odours (such as perfume or hair spray) and fumes.
Tips on managing hay fever
The first tip is to try and avoid or minimise allergen exposure that trigger symptoms.
Other tips include:
● Try not to rub your eyes; doing so will irritate them and could make your symptoms worse.
● Keep windows closed, and use air conditioning in your car and home. Make sure to keep your air conditioning unit clean.
● Reduce exposure to dust mites, especially in the bedroom.
Use “mite-proof ” covers for pillows, blankets and mattresses.
Wash your bedding frequently, using hot water.
● Vacuuming is a better option than sweeping. Clean furniture and floors with damp cloth, because this removes dust better than dry dusting and sweeping.
● Wash your hands immediately after petting any animals, as well as your clothes.
● If you are allergic to a household pet, keep the animal out of your home as much as possible.
● Consider buying an air filter like a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter, which removes particles in the air by forcing it through screens containing microscopic pores.
Treatment options
Many allergens that trigger allergic rhinitis are airborne, so you can’t always avoid them.
If your symptoms can’t be well-controlled by simply avoiding triggers, your healthcare professional may recommend medications that reduce nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing and itching.
They are available in many forms – tablets, liquid medication, nasal sprays and eye drops.
Most medications have side effects, so it is best to discuss these treatment options with your healthcare professional, who may also recommend some alternative treatment options that are natural and without side effects.
There is a safe and effective, clinically-tested, natural, non-medicated sterile nasal decongestant sea serum spray that is recommended for chronic nasal sufferers that helps soothe delicate nasal tis- sues. This solution comes from the pristine waters of Saint-Malo, a port city in north-western France.
Founded in the 12th century, Saint-Malo is well known for its singular tidal waters that ensure fresh and renewed water with every tidal cycle.
This natural, preservative-free decongestant spray is made up of a 2.2% hypertonic concentration of mineral salts in a sterile seawater solution and contains more than 80 minerals that work together to help cold, flu, allergy and sinusitis sufferers ease their delicate nasal tissues and expel excess fluids from swollen sinus passages – a natural process known as the “osmotic effect”.
This seawater decongestant spray can be used as often as needed without harming nasal tissues or causing unpleasant side effects.
It restores clear breathing through nasal passages with a dual-action hypertonic formula that clears and opens nasal and sinus passages, as well as soothes nasal tissues.
It is safer than traditional decon- gestants and because it does not contain medications, it is non-habit forming, does not cause unpleasant side effects and won’t interfere with any other medications you may currently be taking.
It’s safe for long-term use and for children six years and above.
Even pregnant, breastfeeding mothers and those intolerant to traditional decongestants can safely use it.
This article is courtesy of Live-well Nutraceuticals. For more information, consult your pharmacist, call Live-well INFOline: 03- 61426570 or e-mail info@livewell2u.com. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.