Hay-Fever or Rhinitis
What is Hay Fever ?
Hay fever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is a very common condition caused by an allergy to airborne substances such as grass or hay pollens, which affects the upper respiratory passages (nose, sinus, throat and eyes).
Rhinitis is inflammation of the lining of the nose. The moist tissue
(mucous membrane) that lines the nose becomes inflamed, causing swelling
and blocking the airflow. Rhinitis also causes over activity of the
glands in the mucous membrane, resulting in mucus production and
a watery discharge.
Rhinitis is a symptom of the common cold and of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Hay fever is an allergy to grass, weed and tree pollens and is seasonal, while allergic rhinitis or perannual rhinitus is normally caused by an allergy to moulds, hair, feathers, skin scales (dander), house mites, house dust or other airborne substances. It causes sneezing, stuffiness and a watery discharge from the nose. All these reactions cause the upper airways to become narrower and irritated
Hay Fever Control and Treatment
Most hay fever sufferers can control their symptoms by taking medication (antihistamines, decongestant sprays and corticosteroids) However, a sizable number of people find that these treatments are not sufficient to control their symptoms.
For acutely affected patients immunotherapy is normally offered. Injections of small amounts of the known allergy-causing substance are given to create tolerance to the allergen and prevent the immune system producing too much histamine when it encounters it. This treatment has to take place over a long period and requires strict adherence.
How does the RespEase Sleeping Environment Help?
The RespEase unit takes you away from the allergens that are in the air. For most patients it takes 15-20 minutes to completely clear up their symthoms after which they can have a good night sleep.
After 15-20 minutes a patient's nasal passages have cleared so well, that they feel "dry", often resulting in a minor discomfort
We are still investigating this phenomenon, but, at present we believe this has a similar effect to immunotherapy in that there is a daily "conditioning cycle" where patients quickly become accustomed to the outside pollen level.