Allcures :: Health-Info

What is Hayfever?
Hayfever, also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis, is caused by allergies to airborne substances such as grass and pollen, and generally affects the upper respiratory passages, i.e. the nose, sinus, throat and eyes.

It is a very common condition that affects 2 in 10 people in the UK and is more prevalent during the spring and summer months. Hayfever often occurs during the early teens, peaking in your twenties, and is usually no longer a problem by 30 or 40.

What are the Symptoms of Hayfever?
The severity of hayfever symptoms can vary greatly from year to year, and are often highly dependent on the weather and pollen count. General symptoms include:

· Sneezing

· Bunged up or runny nose

· Itchy, watery eyes

· Itchy throat and mouth

· Coughing

· Wheezing

Hayfever is also associated with a worsening of asthmatic symptoms.

What Causes Hayfever?
Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen or microscopic spores. In an allergic reaction, the body overreacts to a foreign substance (allergen), perceiving that it is a potential threat to the body. In hayfever, the allergen is usually pollen or spores. The immune system responds by producing number of antibodies and chemicals such as histamine, which irritate the upper respiratory passage and produce the symptoms of hayfever.

The tendency to suffer from hayfever is also often hereditary, and you are more likely to get hayfever if there is a history of allergies in your family, particularly asthma or eczema. Common allergens causing hayfever are:

· Grass pollen

· Tree pollen

· Spores from fungi and moulds

How is Hayfever Treated?
Suffering from hayfever can be very difficult during the summer months, and it is advisable to start treating for it before the pollen season even begins.

Prevention of Hayfever

As with all allergies, the best way to control hayfever is to avoid the trigger allergen as much as possible. You can avoid over-exposure to pollen and spores by:

· Avoiding cutting the grass or walking in grassy areas

· Wear sunglasses when outside

· Staying indoors when there is a high pollen count

· Avoid keeping fresh flowers in the house

· Vacuum regularly

· Keep pets outdoors as much as possible during hayfever season

· Keep car windows closed

· Do not smoke or allows smoking in your house

Medications

There are a number of OTC products available to help treat hayfever, although some may be prescribed by your GP.

Antihistamine tablets and nasal sprays:

These are effective in easing symptoms such as itching, sneezing and watery eyes by blocking the action of histamine. Some newer antihistamine brands available over-the-counter include Benadryl, Zirtek and Clarityn.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays and drops:

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation within the nasal passages and so relieve blocked noses and congestion. Two common allergy nasal sprays available are Beconase (beclometasone) and Flixonase (fluticasone). Others are available with prescriptions. Corticosteroids need to be used or taken regularly to be effective, and it is advisable to begin taking them two weeks prior to the symptoms beginning.

Nasal decongestants:

Nasal decongestants reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, opening the nasal passage and relieving a blocked nose. OTC nasal decongestants include Otrivine nasal spray and Sudafed nasal spray. However, these should not be used for longer than seven days as prolonged use can result in dryness and irritation within the nasal passage.

Eye drops:

Eye drops can be highly effective if you suffer from severely from symptoms affecting the eyes. Eye drops can contain antihistamine which can relieve inflammation in the eye, whilst others contain sodium cromoglicate such as Opticrom Allergy Eye Drops and Optrex Allergy Eyes eye drops.

Immunotherapy

For persistent hayfever that has not responded to treatment, you may be referred for immunotherapy treatment. This involves exposure to small amounts of the known allergen, to create a tolerance to it. Over time, the amount of allergen is increased with hopefully your allergic reaction to it reducing. The therapy is carried out in specialist medical centres under strict adherence, due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Alternative treatment

Alternative therapies can also potentially relieve hayfever symptoms. However, there is as yet a lack of evidence supporting these claims. Some therapies used are:

· Acupuncture

· Homeopathy

· Herbal remedies

It is essential that you consult your GP before deciding to use herbal remedies, such as St Johns Wort, as they can often can react or affect any other medications you may be taking.