Synonyms in a broader sense
Medical: Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, rhinitis allergica, pollen allergy, pollinosis
Definition
Hay fever is a disease of the upper respiratory tract caused by inhaled allergens, which occurs seasonally in large numbers and causes inflammation of the mucous membranes. Various approaches are available for the treatment of hay fever. Avoiding the triggering allergen (medically: allergen elimination) can often lead to improvement. The hyposensitization of hay fever is also a therapeutic approach. Finally also different medicines can provide assistance.
Which nasal sprays can help?
Any nasal spray that promises a decongestant effect on the mucous membrane is in principle suitable for the treatment of hay fever. At least for the relief of the acute symptoms, commercial nasal sprays can be used, as they are also used for colds. However, they do not have an allergy-specific effect, as they only have a purely vasoconstrictive effect on the mucous membrane of the nose.
They have no direct effect on the overreaction of the immune system. For allergy sufferers, the use of specific nasal sprays is therefore recommended because of the high dependency potential of “normal” nasal sprays. These should contain an antihistamine or a mast cell stabilizer on request in the pharmacy.
Examples would be nasal sprays with azelastine (Vividrin ®) or cromoglicic acid. The otherwise so undesirable side effect of fatigue with anthistamines is not to be expected here, since the application is purely local. However, the effect must be determined individually.
Experience shows that not everyone responds equally well to every preparation. For very severe or even chronic complaints, the use of a nasal spray containing cortisone can provide relief. However, these are only available in pharmacies on prescription and should not be used permanently because of their side effect profile. Learn more about this topic:
- Nasal spray against an allergy
HyposensitizationDesensitization
The goal of hyposensitization is to reduce the excessive reaction of the body’s immune system to a harmless allergen from the environment by gradually getting used to it. The therapy is therefore comparable to an immune system training program. Gradually, an ascending dose of the allergen is administered, usually in the form of an injection or sublingually, thus signaling to the body that regular contact does not pose an acute threat to it.
It is precisely the T-lymphocytes of the immune system that are trained. With each new contact of the administered allergen, they trigger a milder reaction chain until it finally resembles a reaction as in a normal healthy person. However, the learning process takes months and requires regular breaks, so that the duration of a hyposensitization often takes three years.
During the therapy, the same symptoms occur as in an allergic reaction. At the beginning of the hyposensitization, this means that patients will feel the same intensity of symptoms as they are used to during the hay fever season. The severity of the symptoms only decreases with ongoing therapy.
It is therefore not uncommon for sufferers to find the therapy stressful. However, for moderate to severe forms of hay fever, it is the only way to successfully treat the allergy in the long term and avoid serious complications of an allergic reaction. The costs for this are often covered by the health insurance in case of a doctor’s letter.
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