Could hayfever be giving me flu-like symptoms?

The 2015 flu season has definitely been more intense than in previous years, says the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

The 2015 flu season has definitely been more intense than in previous years, says the National Institute for Communicable Diseases.

Published Nov 28, 2014

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QUESTION: I am a hayfever sufferer and it is really bad this year. I have been taking loratidine and using nasal sprays, and recently started with a twice daily routine of rinsing my nostrils with a saline solution that I purchased from the pharmacy.

I am not feeling well. My head is sore, I feel tired and my voice sounds like I have the flu.

Although I am taking all this stuff, I still have thick mucus. Please can you provide me with some guidance

 

ANSWER: It seems to be one of the worst ever allergy activation seasons in a long time.

Experts blame it on numerous factors, but also state quite clearly that the two areas of concern are the lack of intervention in genetically inherited allergies (research into antenatal modification of allergy tolerance is still under way with global interest in the field) and the multitude of preserved foods and methods of food preparation.

 

The condition you describe is clearly allergic rhinitis, with all the symptoms that make it so frustrating, ranging from recurrent tonsillitis, ear infections and respiratory effects. Poorly controlled allergies can be debilitating. It is crucial to understand the mechanisms at play here, that your body has a heightened or overactive immune response to certain triggers. Once that immune response is turned on there is a host of inflammatory, chemically active substances or molecules that are released into the bloodstream to counter the trigger.

Thus the term antihistamine – to stop the further release of excessive histamine which causes itching, redness, swelling and sneezing. Discomfort and irritation then follow and if the effects are severe the airways are also affected, leading to tightness of the chest or bronchospasm.

The mainstay of management is prevention. This means avoiding the known triggers and, second, immaculate compliance with medication.

There are people who have achieved relief by using homeopathic preparations – results are variable and science needs substantial research to prove their worth. Chronic medications would include a good second or third-generation antihistamine like Xyzal, Telfast or Deselex in conjunction with a Fluticasone nasal preparation or spray. The benefits are only achieved if used daily – otherwise you are wasting money.

Drink sufficient fluids as this helps in keeping the membranes of the nasal and oral cavity moist and functional.

Use your medications daily and in the event of acute and drastic allergic reactions with systemic signs, visit your closest emergency centre and never take chances when faced with a sudden onset of a rash and a tight chest.

The most common triggers are environment and food.

People with bee sting allergies should be extremely cautious and carry a Medic alert bracelet as well as be taught how to use an EPI-PEN (an adrenaline injection pen) which can easily save your life.

I would certainly suggest an assessment for acute sinusitis and immediate treatment if the thick secretions become enriched with colour or present with an offensive smell. Your headaches are of concern and warrant a consultation. Complicated sinusitis requires intravenous antibiotics.

Remember that penetration of the sinuses by antibiotics can be challenging and we often refer patients to an ear, nose and throat specialist for an evaluation of the sinuses and drainage canals if this problem is recurrent.

The individual’s nose and sinus structure is then studied in search of a cause for poor drainage. A lavage or “washout” is also done occasionally for complicated sinusitis or trapped infections.

You will also find that people with sinus infection often are forced to have their adenoids and tonsils removed. The voice is often hoarse in allergy sufferers due to the post-nasal drip leading to laryngitis, as well as the often irritating cough which damages the vocal chords.

Physiotherapists now use ultrasound devices to treat acute sinus inflammation.

Cape Argus

* Dr Darren Green, a trusted figure in the field of media medicine, is a University of Stellenbosch graduate who adds innovative spark to health and wellness issues. He features on 567CapeTalk.

If you’ve got medical problems, contact the doctor at [email protected], 021 930 0655 or Twitter @drdarrengreen.

The advice in this column does not replace a consultation and clinical evaluation with a doctor.

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