Allergic Rhinitis
The correct medical term for hay fever is allergic rhinitis (or allergic rhino-conjunctivitis). For hay fever that emerges during a particular season, such as in high pollen times, the correct term is seasonal allergic rhinitis (or seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis). However, hay fever that persists throughout the year is termed perennial allergic rhinitis (or perennial allergic rhino-conjunctivitis). The words ‘rhino’ and ‘rhinitis’ are derived from the Greek word for nose – rhis. The ‘iris’ in rhinitis refers to the presence of inflammation.
Allergic rhinitis is actually a blanket term that refers to more than just the pollen allergy that is hay fever. Allergies that produce virtually identical symptoms are included in that term, whatever time of year they are in evidence.
Many people with hay fever are also allergic to the following:
• The microscopic dung pellets from house dust mites. These mites are tiny insects that live in the dust in our homes and are extremely prevalent in our mattresses, in particular. A person who is allergic to house dust mite dung will have year-round symptoms – perennial allergic rhinitis – unless steps are taken to remove or at least reduce the quantity of mites and their dung.
• The mould spores that are produced from fungi. Such spores are often seen in poorly ventilated rooms, particularly in bathrooms -on non-slip bath mats, the inner side of shower curtains and around window frames.
• The dust – called ‘animal dander’ – produced by the skin of pets and other animals. The feathers in duvets and pillows also create this dust.
• The wool in woollen items such as blankets and knitwear.
Removing hay fever from the equation for a moment, it must be said that the symptoms created by many common allergens are often worse in winter when the windows and doors in the house are more likely to be kept closed.