Hay Fever

Hay fever is also known by the name of seasonal allergic rhinitis. With hay fever nasal passages, throat, and eye membrane are inflamed mainly because of sensitivity towards airborne pollen and molds. Trees, grasses, weeds and other plants carry pollen which is carried by the winds rather than insects.

The symptoms of hay fever vary on each person such as:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Watery or red eyes
• Sore throat

The following factors cause hay fever:

When an allergic reaction occurs to the allergen pollen it causes hay fever. As the immune system overreacts to the existing pollen particles it causes a harmful reaction. Hay fever usually is caused by grass pollen. People mainly come in contact with hay fever when they stay outdoor more often than indoor. The symptoms which are caused due to hay fever are not permanent. As the allergen is removed from the body so are the symptoms.

Hay fever can be prevented in the following ways:

• When the pollen count is high, stay indoor as much as possible
• Keep windows closed.
• Activities which involve heavy contact with pollen should be avoided like lawn mowing
• Dry clothes inside, rather than outside as pollen can get attached to clothes.

Treatment for Hay fever:

• A person suffering from hay fever should lessen his exposure to allergens like pollens
• Prescription and non prescription medicines are both available to treat hay fever and its symptoms.
• Use of medication which contains antihistamines prevents the occurrence of this fever
• Use of nasal sprays can block out histamine which is an irritant.
• Intake of Corticosteroids reduces inflammation, which in turn reduces the co related symptoms.
• Allergy shots or immunotherapy is also suggested to protect against hay fever, where in an individuals immune system reaction is desensitized to an allergen.

Remember:

If you do not get required relief from the treatments available, you should consult your health care professional before the symptoms worsen.