Hay fever is also known as pollen allergy. It is one of the most common allergies, and it affects about 35 million Americans. Most people mistake symptoms of this allergy (like sneezing, runny nose, or itchy eyes) as symptoms of a cold; however, colds tend to be more severe and go away within a week.
Hay fever, more properly known as allergic rhinitis, is an irritation of the mucus membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory tract, leading to a variety of unpleasant symptoms. Numerous people suffer from hay fever, especially during seasons of heavy pollen, which is one of the leading causes of hay fever. Most people are able to treat their symptoms with dietary changes and mild medications, but sometimes the attention of a medical professional is needed to address the problem. If hay fever symptoms are severe or they continue year round, patients should consider seeing an allergy specialist.
The term "hay fever" is a bit of a misnomer, and is probably related to reports of itchiness and irritation during haying season. However, these allergic reactions were more probably caused by flowers in the field than hay itself, and the skin irritation would have been from the sharp ends of cut grasses. Some people are allergic to specific grasses which are used for hay, such as rye, but the majority of people develop hay fever in response to pollen, fungi, and dander.
Contrary to its name, hay fever is not usually caused by exposure to hay, and its symptoms do not include a fever. Hay fever causes symptoms that may affect the eyes, ears, and nose of an affected person.
Like other allergies, hay fever starts with exposure to the allergen, and there appears to be a higher incidence of hay fever in the First World than in developing nations. Allergens enter the body through the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs. They are not usually harmful, but once they are inside the body, the immune system may identify them as dangerous and produce antibodies to attack them. The next time a person inhales the same allergen, the immune system may recognize it and begin to produce a chemical called histamine to counteract the allergen.
When histamine gets into the bloodstream, it can cause inflammation. This inflammation results in the symptoms of hay fever, which can include itchy, watery eyes, coughing and sneezing. Other symptoms include sinus pressure and a decreased ability to smell and taste. A person suffering from hay fever may also suffer from fatigue and feel like their ears are plugged.
Those who have hay fever may experience increased symptoms in the spring and fall of the year, when plants release pollen, or "pollinate." Pollination may depend on the local climate, the amount of rainfall, and the type of plant. Plant pollens that commonly cause hay fever in the spring include the particles released by grasses, trees, and certain types of weeds, especially ragweed. Approximately 75 percent of those who suffer from allergies are estimated to be allergic to ragweed. Some weeds also may release pollen in the fall.
Mold is one of the most common hay fever causes. It is often present indoors and outdoors at all times of the year. Mold thrives indoors in damp environments like basements and bathrooms and outdoors in moist conditions such as compost piles. Mold produces "spores," which are present in the air, contained in water, or carried by insects. If these spores enter the body, they may trigger an allergic reaction such as hay fever.
Dust mites may also be common hay fever causes. Dust mites are microscopic, spider-like creatures that are present in household dust, carpeting, and bedding. They typically feed on dead skin cells and cause hay fever symptoms when they invade the body. There may be no way to completely eliminate dust mites, but they can be controlled by reducing humidity in the home and by washing bedding in hot water.
Pet dander is flaky dry skin visible on the fur of cats and dogs and the feathers of birds. Pet dander resulting in hay fever causes symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. The hair or feathers alone is not believed to be the cause of the irritation. Rather, the pollen, mold, and dust particles that collect on the pet's fur or feathers are believed to trigger the allergic reaction.
Pet dander can also be carried to a location where the pet has never been, sometimes being transported on the clothing of a person exposed to the pet. This may cause pet allergies and hay fever symptoms in an individual who has never been around a pet. Pet dander may remain in a home up to six months after the animal has been removed.
Hay fever symptoms usually start immediately after you're exposed to a specific allergy-causing substance (allergen) and can include:
Runny nose and nasal congestion
Watery or itchy eyes
Sneezing
Cough
Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
Sinus pressure and facial pain
Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
Decreased sense of smell or taste
Your hay fever symptoms may start or worsen at a particular time of year, triggered by tree pollen, grasses or weeds, which all bloom at different times. If you're sensitive to indoor allergens, such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold or pet dander, you may have year-round symptoms. Many people have allergy symptoms all year long, but their symptoms get worse during certain times of the year.
Although hay fever can begin at any age, you're most likely to develop it during childhood or early adulthood. It's common for the severity of hay fever reactions to change over the years. For most people, hay fever symptoms tend to diminish slowly, often over decades.
Signs and symptoms can be different. Here's how to tell which one's causing your symptoms:
|
|
Hay fever |
Colds |
|---|---|---|
|
Signs and symptoms |
Runny nose with thin, watery discharge; no fever |
Runny nose with watery or thick yellow discharge; body aches; low-grade fever |
|
Onset |
Immediately after exposure to allergens |
One to three days after exposure to a cold virus |
|
Duration |
As long as you're exposed to allergens |
Five to seven days |
See your doctor if:
You think you may have hay fever
Your symptoms are ongoing and bothersome
Allergy medications aren't working for you
Allergy medications work, but side effects are a problem
You have another condition that can worsen hay fever symptoms, such as nasal polyps, asthma or frequent sinus infections
Many people — especially children — get used to hay fever symptoms. But getting the right treatment can reduce irritating symptoms. In some cases, treatment may help prevent more serious allergic conditions such as asthma or eczema.
You may want to see an allergy specialist (allergist) if:
Your symptoms are severe
Hay fever is a year-round nuisance
Allergy medications are not controlling your symptoms
Your allergy medications are causing side effects
You want to find out whether allergy shots (immunotherapy) might be an option for you
Treatment for hay fever typically starts with recommendations to change lifestyle and diet slightly. A high fiber diet can help to mitigate the symptoms, as can avoiding areas of heavy pollen and using hypoallergenic products. If these changes do not solve the problem, a doctor may recommend medications such as anti-inflammatories and decongestants. In extreme cases of hay fever, an allergy specialist may perform skin testing to determine what, exactly, the patient is allergic to.
There are certain home remedies that can be effective for treating the symptoms of hay fever. Gargling with saltwater can help ease an itchy, sore throat. Tea made from grapefruit, lemon, and honey may be soothing to irritated tissues. Drinking caffeinated beverages can help reduce congestion.
It is usually also necessary to include some sort of medication as part of hay fever treatment. A variety of nonprescription allergy medications that include decongestants or antihistamines may be used to minimize symptoms. Antihistamines block the histamines released when the body has an allergic reaction, which helps stop the itching and overproduction of mucous they cause. Decongestants can clear up a stuffy nose and ease breathing.
Prescription strength antihistamines, which can be taken as pills, nasal sprays, or eyedrops, may be more effective than those available over the counter. They also typically need to be taken less frequently and are less likely to cause drowsiness. Sometimes antihistamines are prescribed in combination with a leukotriene inhibitor, which can help reduce the inflammation caused by an allergic response.
Corticosteroid nasal sprays are another effective hay fever treatment. These drugs are generally taken daily, and usually take several days to build up in the system and begin working to full effect. They are particularly useful for patients who get stuffy or runny noses from their allergies.
People who know they are prone to hay fever may choose to use cromolyn sodium as a preventative hay fever treatment. Using this drug, either in aerosol or eyedrop form, can help minimize the irritation of mucous membranes. Taking it prior to suffering an attack is the most effective way to use it.
There are also several drug-free treatments which have some evidence to back up their value. Qu-Chi invented these and there is evidence to show they work.
Pollen barriers have also been shown to trap significantly more pollen than an uncoated nostril. HayMax has a pollen barrier nose balm which has a very big following in the UK.
Then there is Butterbur Petasin - a herbal remedy with clinical trials evidence to show it is effective. Although these might not be as thoroughly trialled as the drug based remedies - they normally are manufactured by smaller companies without the resources to run expensive clinical trials - they have a big following.
Qu-Chi is so simple that people have said they're very surprised that it hasn't been commercially available before. It is a natural and drug-free way to get almost instant relief from the symptoms of hay fever and allergic rhinitis.
The band is very easy to use. Once in place (just underneath the elbow joint as illustrated in the instructions that come with the band), you can wear the band day and night without noticing it's there.
How does it work? It uses the "Qu-Chi" pressure point, a specific focus-point on the body, linked to the front of the face and the sinuses.
Qu-Chi can be used while taking other medication and can be worn day and night and is suitable for all ages.
What's makes this product unique is that it does not cause drowsiness. Something that those who suffer will understand the importance of.
The band is machine washable. Simply put the band on either before your symptoms appear or as soon as you notice them. It really works!
The most common types of hay fever natural remedies are ingested as part of the person's daily diet, and often include items found conveniently at home or in local markets. One recipe suggests boiling minced grapefruit and lemon until soft, adding some local honey, and taking this mixture three times a day. It is believed the combination of the local honey with the vitamin C rich fruits is an effective remedy. During hay fever season, the affected person may also consider adding additional protein sources to his or her diet to assist in lessening the effects of the allergic reaction. In terms of diet, most experts suggest that avoiding processed foods and only eating natural, fresh foods is useful in eliminating many of the unpleasant sneezing and coughing symptoms associated with hay fever.
Several types of teas are also employed as hay fever natural remedies. Green tea is especially useful for many illnesses and general good health due to its high levels of antioxidants. Peppermint and thyme teas are frequently consumed to relieve these symptoms as well.
Hay fever often causes the nasal passages to become dry and sore. In this situation, some hay fever natural remedies include applying petroleum jelly to the irritated inflamed areas of the nose, as well as using a vaporizer with healing herbs. Adding mint and chamomile to the vaporizer will help ease the inflammation and discomfort of the nasal passages.
Some of the most simple hay fever natural remedies include lifestyle changes. It is important to avoid any type of activity that may dry out the nose and other mucus membranes of the face. Most health experts recommend patients not smoke or consume alcohol in large quantities during hay fever season as precautions. Pollutants are most active in the early morning and late night hours. For this reason, it is also suggested to avoid being outdoors during those peak mold and pollen times.
It's not possible to completely avoid allergens, but you can reduce your symptoms by taking some steps to limit your exposure to them. It helps to know exactly what you're allergic to so that you can take steps to avoid your specific triggers.
Pollen or molds
Close doors and windows during pollen season.
Don't hang laundry outside — pollen can stick to sheets and towels.
Use air conditioning in your house and car.
Use an allergy-grade filter in the ventilation system.
Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
Stay indoors on dry, windy days.
Use a dehumidifier to reduce indoor humidity.
Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter in your bedroom.
Avoid mowing the lawn or raking leaves, which stirs up pollen and molds.
Wear a dust mask when doing outdoor activities such as gardening.
Dust mites
Use allergy-proof covers on mattresses, box springs and pillows.
Wash sheets and blankets in water heated to at least 130 F (54 C).
Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce indoor humidity.
Vacuum carpets weekly with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a small-particle or HEPA filter.
Consider removing carpeting, especially where you sleep, if you're highly sensitive to dust mites.
Cockroaches
Block cracks and crevices where roaches can enter.
Fix leaky faucets and pipes.
Wash dishes and empty garbage daily.
Sweep food crumbs from counters and floors.
Store food, including pet food, in sealed containers.
Consider professional pest extermination.
Pet dander
Remove pets from the house, if possible.
Bathe your pets on a weekly basis, if possible. Using wipes designed to reduce dander also may help.
Keep your pets out of the bedroom.
For people who experience hay fever, avoiding pollen is an excellent way to prevent it. Many cities list weekly pollen counts to alert people to potentially high levels of pollen. Nasal rinses can also help to keep the sinuses clear, as can a prescription for preventative hay fever medication which will help reduce the symptoms before they start to set in. It is important to receive treatment and diagnosis for hay fever, because it can develop into asthma if left untreated, which is an undesired complication.