ExecutiveChronicles | Hay Fever Symptoms to Look Out For | Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is one of the most prevalent allergic disorders in the world. Hay fever symptoms include a runny nose, sneezing, and tiredness. Hay fever affects more than 10 million people in the United Kingdom.
It has two types:
- Seasonal Hay Fever – In the spring, when individual plants pollinate, you may get a runny nose or watery eyes. You are most likely allergic to plants and fungus spores if you have hay fever in the fall. Tree pollen is prevalent during the spring.
- Perennial Hay Fever – The most common hay fever in the United States is seasonal hay fever. Indoor allergens including dust mites, animal dander (tiny flakes of skin), fur, and feathers are frequently to blame for perennial hay fever. Triggers include beddings, carpets, cushions, and draperies. Mould may also cause hay fever symptoms. They prefer damp locations such as your basement or bathroom to flourish.
Common hay fever allergens:
- Pet fur or dander
- Dust mites
- Perfume
- Cigarette smoke
- Pollen
- Fungi
- Mould
What Causes Hay Fever?
An overreactive immune system is responsible for hay fever. When a substance (e.g., pollens) enters your body, your immune system considers it to be harmful, triggering a chain of defensive responses to safeguard you. Your mucus membranes and sinuses are inflamed as a result of increased amounts of histamine and leukotrienes in your blood. You also sneeze more frequently than usual.
The body’s response to hay fever is powerful. The allergic reaction, for example, causes a number of symptoms that help protect you from the irritants by either trapping (as in the case of swollen nasal passages preventing allergens from entering) or expelling (as in the case of sneezing).
Hay fever is frequently passed on. If one or more of your relatives have hay fever, there’s a good chance you’ll get it as well.
What are the Symptoms of Hay Fever?
The most frequent hay fever symptoms are listed below:
- Itchy and watery eyes
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Ear fullness
- Postnasal drip that may lead to coughing
- Anosmia or the loss of your sense of smell
- Facial pain
- Prolonged and violent sneezing
- Runny nose or blocked nose
Hay fever symptoms vary in intensity and duration. It’s also influenced by the weather. Hay fever is generally worse during late March to September in the United Kingdom. Pollen germination is favoured by warm, windy, and humid conditions.
Irritants in the air frequently exacerbate severe hay fever symptoms. The inflamed lining of your nose makes it more susceptible to allergens. The following are some of the most common irritants that can make your hay fever symptoms worse:
- Wood smoke
- Aerosol sprays
- Irritating fumes
- Temperature changes
- Cigarette smoke
- Air pollution
- Humidity changes
- Wind
- Strong odours
If not treated, severe hay fever symptoms can progress to a variety of problems, including:
- Asthma
- Sinusitis (persistent inflammation of your sinuses)
- Allergic conjunctivitis (Irritation of the eye’s membranes by an allergen is known as ocular conjunctivitis. This can be a problem that develops when an allergy irritates the membranes on your eyes.)
Hay Fever Treatments
By reducing your allergy exposure, you may help reduce your hay fever symptoms. You may reduce the amount of dust and mould in your home by keeping it clean and airing it out on a regular basis. Other simple changes to make include:
- After interacting with your pets, wash your hands.
- To prevent mould growth, use a dehumidifier in your space.
It’s a good idea to keep the windows shut, especially if the weather is dry, windy, and humid, to prevent pollens from coming in.
- When you go outside, wear sunglasses to safeguard your eyes.
Hay Fever Medications
Nasal Sprays
Nasal sprays like Mometasone and Nasonex from Express Pharmacy can help with nasal congestion and postnasal drip. Although they don’t address the actual condition, these drugs are used to reduce inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines help to relieve itching and sneezing. Common treatments like Fexofenadine (generic) and Tel fast (branded) are available without a prescription. Antihistamines that aren’t made to make you drowsy are fine to use while on the job.
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