Hay Fever
What is hay fever?
Hay fever is an allergy to pollen and mould spores. An allergy is a reaction of the body and its immune system to substances (called allergens) that are usually harm- less. The body reacts to pollen as if it were an invading virus or poison, causing irritation and inflammation.
Who gets hay fever?
Hay fever is one of the most common allergies in Britain; 2-3 million people suffer each summer. Hay fever sometimes runs in families. People who suffer from asthma and eczema are likely to suffer from it. Teenagers and young adults are affected most, teenage males particularly. Symptoms ease with age.
What are the symptoms of hay fever?
Symptoms vary and last from days to weeks. The usual symptoms are frequent sneezing; blocked nose; red, itchy and watery eyes; itchy roof of mouth; loss of smell and taste; headache; dry and sore throat; dry tongue; sleep disturbance. You may also get asthma symptoms: wheezing, chest tightness and cough. Work, leisure and study may be upset due to difficulty in concentrating and feelings of depression, irritation and listlessness.
When and why do people get hay fever?
Pollen is necessary for plant reproduction and is usually invisible to the naked eye. Different plants pollinate at different times of the year, thus it depends on what type of pollen you are allergic to as to when you will suffer from hay fever. Trees usually pollinate in spring, and flowers and grasses in summer. If mould spores cause your hay fever then autumn is the worst time. Regional variants and local conditions, such as weather, will affect the pollen counts. Pollen is often dispersed by the plant into the air, where it is filtered from the air by moist sensitive tissues in your nose or enters through your eyes. Your immune system creates antibodies that release the chemicals causing the hay fever symptoms.
What treatment is available?
Most treatments are available from the pharmacy; ask your pharmacist for advice. If symptoms persist see your doctor. The best treatment is preventive and is usually nasal spray and eye drops. Treatment needs to be used every day throughout the pollen season.
Antihistamine tablets and oral (taken by mouth or topical (nasal spray) decongestants can be used to suppress the symptoms. Decongestants should be used for short periods of time only, e.g. a week, as long-term use can make nasal problems worse.
If you have very severe hay fever, corticosteroids may be necessary. These will usually be given as a single long-lasting injection when symptoms are at their peak.
Are there side-effects?
Tell your doctor/pharmacist if you have any other health problems or are taking any medication before you start treatment. Antihistamines may make you sleepy. If you have to drive or operate machinery ask your doctor for non-sedative antihistamines. Side-effects include headache, dry mouth, skin rash and upset stomach.
HELP YOURSELF
- Note pollen forecasts on the television, the radio and in the newspapers.
- Avoid being outside in the summer between 3 pm and 7pm and keep your windows and doors closed during these times.
- Sleep with your windows closed.
- Use air filters or air conditioners at home and at work. If possible use a car with a pollen filter in the ventilation system (keep the car windows closed).
- Avoid areas of long grass and avoid mowing lawns and raking leaves; if necessary, wear a mask and wrap-around sun-glasses.
- Dust, hoover and mop your home regularly.
- Stop smoking and avoid irritants such as wet paint and smoky atmospheres.
- Avoid clothes and bedding made of wool and feather down.
- Air pillows and bed covers in direct sunlight.
- Avoid damp areas, use a dehumidifier if necessary.
- Choose holidays near the sea or in the mountains where pollen counts are low.
Further information
British Allergy Foundation |
Action Against Allergy |