Hay fever is a prominent ailment that many people around the world experience. It causes both physical and mental discomfort and can be challenging to control without treatment. Fortunately, most hay fever sufferers can find over the counter hay fever treatments to help them fight the symptoms. However, we know that everyone’s allergy severity varies. Hay fever affects many people every year. It is estimated that the number of people who suffer from hay fever ranges from 20% to 40%. The estimates are based on the studies that were conducted in different countries around the world. Hay fever affects both adults and children, but studies have shown that adults are more prone to it than children.
There is no cure for this condition, but it can be controlled by taking certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids. Here are a few things you need to know about preventing and reducing Hay Fever Symptoms:
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever is a hypersensitivity to pollen. Pollens are small particles of dust that carry the plant’s male reproductive cells so they can fertilize the female reproductive cell of another plant. The most common plants for causing hay fever are pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds. Hay fever symptoms can range from milder sneezing and a runny nose to more intense symptoms such as coughing and wheezing, which may need medication or medical attention if severe enough.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
Hay fever is more common when people are sensitive to it, such as those who are allergic to other things like grass, trees, or weeds. The following are some of the symptoms of hay fever:
- Sneezing
- A runny nose
- Itchy throat and eyes
- Skin irritations like hives or eczema
There are some severe symptoms of hay fever, including loss of appetite or weight loss. In addition to this, some people experience stomach pain and diarrhoea as well as difficulty swallowing. One symptom that should not be ignored is when a person has an increased heart rate with wheezing and difficulty breathing. If someone experiences any of those severe symptoms, they should contact their doctor immediately for assistance.
How to Treat Hay Fever Symptoms
Hay fever is common in people who are allergic to certain pollens, such as ragweed or grasses. It occurs when these pollens release proteins that wind up in the lungs and nasal passages, triggering an immune response and causing inflammation of the airways. Hay fever is usually treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and cold medicines that reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, itchy throat or skin rash.
In rare cases, a steroid nasal spray may be prescribed to help relieve severe symptoms, but this is only on an individual basis and should not be used for more than three weeks at a time.
Hay fever sufferers might also find relief from decongestant tablets that dry up excess mucus in the nose or throat, while anti-drip eye drops may provide relief from itchy eyes or eyelids.
Preventing Hay Fever
Hay fever sufferers can have a hay fever attack because of pollen, but they can also be triggered by other allergens such as dust or animal dander. Hay fever season is when allergies are at their worst, so it’s important to keep some tips in mind. Hay fever sufferers often take antihistamines to stop the effects of hay fever from triggering. This is caused by their bodies reacting to pollen or other substances that are released in the air. Antihistamines contain either chlorpheniramine or brompheniramine, which help relieve symptoms due to allergies.
But what if you don’t want to take medication? There are a few ways you can help prevent hay fever from triggering: avoid allergens, drink lots of water, and use a good humidifier.
Hay fever sufferers should keep windows closed and use air conditioning units to filter dust particles and pet dander. The sufferer should also avoid going outside during the day because the pollen count will be higher. It’s also recommended that hay fever sufferers take allergy medication as soon as they start experiencing symptoms.
How to Stay Healthy this Season
Hay fever season is one of the worst times of year for allergy sufferers. Some people suffer from it so badly that they are unable to do anything outside. This season, try these tips to limit your exposure and make your hay fever season tolerable.
- Stay indoors as much as possible
- Keep your windows closed at all times
- Use an air purifier or humidifier
- Keep your clothes washed and change bedsheets often
These tips should help you to stay on top of your hay fever this season and keep yourself healthy.
