Hay fever is a common allergic reaction which occurs at particular times of the year. It is known as seasonal rhinitis sharing symptoms with perennial (year round) allergic rhinitis but occurring as a reaction to pollen from grass trees and weeds during the early spring and summer months. It can affect both adults and children.
The body releases histamine in response to allergen invasion. Histamine is involved in local immune responses and causes inflammation (swelling and redness) to prevent allergen from entering the body. Cold-like symptoms like sneezing and a blocked or runny nose are normal to expel allergen out of the body. This begins immediately after exposure to allergens.
Common allergens are house dust mites pollens and spores. While it is usually seasonal it is possible to have the condition throughout the year. Pollens that trigger symptoms are tree pollen in spring grass pollen in late spring and summer and weed pollen from early spring into late autumn. Most people with hay fever are allergic to grass pollen.
There are a few factors that can increase risk of developing hay fever. These include people who have another allergic condition like eczema a family history of hay fever or are exposed to smoke or exhaust particles when they were younger.
To find out the cause of your allergies you may be arranged to perform a skin test to determine allergens causing the reaction by pricking your skin to allow extracts of potential allergens to trigger a response showed by itchy red spots on the skin. Blood test can also be used to identify a particular allergy by comparing the levels of certain antibodies to reference point.
Prevention is always better than cure. It is a good idea to wear a mask when potential allergens are near. Home remedy includes home-made solution with equal parts of salt and bicarbonate of soda or using sachets of ingredients bought from a pharmacy to clean nasal passages (nasal irrigation).
Mild symptoms can be relieved by over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines which effectively block the effects of histamine. Do note that some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Decongestants can also be used for not more than seven days as it will make the congestion worse. Your GP may recommend nasal corticosteroids which is longer acting to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
If symptoms are severe immunotherapy also known as desensitization will be needed to make your immune system less sensitive to allergens involved. This is done through through allergen injection under the skin of upper arm or by consuming tablets containing that allergen. Immunotherapy must be carried out under close supervision because it may cause serious allergic reaction.
This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Doctors Catalog has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but makes no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. In the event of an emergency, please call 108 for immediate assistance.
