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Hayfever
What is Hayfever?
Hay fever is a form of allergic rhinitis. This condition usually affects the nose, throat and eyes. Mold and fungal spores are common triggers for hay fever. These spores are generally airborne all year around in most parts of the world. Pollen is also a common airborne substance that affects hayfever sufferers mainly in the spring and summer. This is due to more pollen being released into the air from flowers, plants and trees.
When you breathe in these air-bourne substances your body’s immune system identifies them as “invaders” and fights them as an infection. Your immune system produces antibodies that release chemicals called histamines into your bloodstream to fight off the “invaders”. It is the histamine released into the body that causes an overreaction resulting in hayfever symptoms and a lowered immune system.
Hay Fever Facts:
- Males are more likely to suffer from hay fever.
- If your family has a history of allergies you are more likely to experience hay fever,
- Over exposure to dust mites can cause hay fever symptoms.
- People with hay fever may also suffer from Asthma, Eczema and Sinusitis.
- Hay fever symptoms do not include a fever and is generally not caused by hay.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
• Coughing.
• Dark circles and swollen skin under your eyes.
• Runny or blocked-up nose.
• Itchy throat or nose.
• Itchy or watery eyes.
• Pressure on your sinuses and pain in your face due to sinusitis.
• Sneezing.
Common Hay Fever Triggers
• Dust mites.
• Indoor and outdoor fungal and mould spores.
• Grass pollens.
• Pet dander (from domestic animals).
• Tree pollens.
• Weed pollen.
Complications of Hay Fever
• Bacterial infections such as ear or sinus infections.
• Decreased lung function.
• Facial swelling and dark circles under the eyes.
• Nasal polyps (small noncancerous growths in the lining of the nose).
• Nosebleeds.
Seek medical attention as this could mean your hay fever has turned into an infection.
Go To Hospital If You Experience Any Of The Following:
• Very high fever (Hay fever has turned to infection).
• Difficulty breathing.
• Uncontrolled bleeding.
• Discharge from the ear or severe ear-ache.
Treatments and Medications
Pharmaceutical Medications: Antihistamines, Decongestants, Nasal sprays, and other medicine such as Corticosteroid Medication are generally recommended to ease hayfever symptoms by the medical profession. Avoid using nasal spray continuously for more than three days as it may increase congestion of nose. Avoid smoking.
Natural Alternatives and health supplements that can help with relief of hay fever include; Garlic Capsules, Vitamin C, Red Bush Tea, Horse Radish, Homeopathic Hay Fever Remedies, Honey, Eucalyptus, Bee Propolis, Licorice, Vitamin A & E, If you find medication doesn’t work for you, immunotherapy may also be an option. Immunotherapy involves controlled exposure to the allergens that cause your hay fever. This is said to build up your immunity and help reduce your symptoms.
Environmental If you suffer from frequent Hay fever attacks you may also want to think about investing in an air purifier or a dehumidifier to help control airbourne substances in the home. Avoid going out early in the morning or late in the evening as pollen count in the air is comparatively higher at this time.
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