Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common condition with symptoms similar to those of a cold. There may be sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and sinus pressure.

It is caused by an allergic response to airborne substances, such as pollen. The time of year it happens depends on what substance, or allergen, the person reacts to.
Despite its name, hay fever does not mean that the person is allergic to hay and has a fever. Hay is hardly ever an allergen, and fever is not a symptom.

Here are some facts on hay fever:

Allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, can cause sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and itching of the nose, eyes or the roof of the mouth.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis is more common in the spring, summer, and early autumn Symptoms are usually caused by allergic sensitivity to pollens from trees, grasses, or weeds, or to airborne mould spores.

Treatment includes avoiding, eliminating, or decreasing exposure to allergens, medication, and immunotherapy.

Common symptoms include:

sneezing
watery eyes
itchy throat
a blocked, itchy, or runny nose

Severe symptoms may include:

sweats
headaches
loss of smell and taste
facial pain caused by blocked sinuses
itchiness spreading from the throat to the nose and ears
Some people may experience tiredness or fatigue, irritability, and insomnia.
People with asthma may experience more wheezing and breathlessness at times when hay fever symptoms are common.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

To specify the correct treatment, a doctor will look at the symptoms and ask about personal and family medical history.
A blood or skin test can identify which substance the patient is allergic to.
In a skin test, the skin is pricked with a minute amount of a known allergen. 
A blood test will show the level of IgE antibodies. This will be high if an allergy is present.

There is currently no cure for hay fever. However, symptoms can be managed during the times of the year that have a high pollen count.
Continued treatment can have the effect of reducing symptoms, improving immunity to the allergen, and enhancing the quality of life. Three years of treatment has been shown to lead to long-term desensitization against pollen.

Antihistamine sprays or tablets: Commonly available OTC, these stop the release of the chemical histamine. They usually effectively relieve symptoms of a runny nose, itching, and sneezing, but they will not unblock congested sinuses. Older antihistamines can cause drowsiness.
Eye drops: These reduce itching and swelling in the eyes. They are usually used alongside other medications.
Nasal corticosteroids: These sprays treat the inflammation caused by hay fever. They offer a safe and effective long-term treatment. It may take a week for benefits to show.
Examples include mometasone (Nasonex) and beclomethasone (Beconase).
There may be an unpleasant smell or taste, or nose irritation.
Oral corticosteroids: Severe hay fever symptoms may respond well to prednisone tablets, prescribed by a doctor. These are for short-term use only. Long-term use is linked to cataracts, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis.

 

An individual cannot prevent the development of an allergy, but people who experience hay fever may find some strategies useful for minimizing the impact.
Here are some tips:
Be aware of the pollen count during susceptible months. Information is available through the internet and other media. Pollen count tends to be higher on humid and windy non-rainy days and during the early evening.
Keep windows and doors shut when the pollen count is high.
Avoid mowing the lawn during susceptible months, choose low-pollen days for gardening, and keep away from grassy areas when pollen counts are high.
Regularly splash the eyes with cool water, to sooth them and clear them of pollen.
Shower and change your clothes after coming indoors, when pollen counts are high.
Use wrap-around glasses to protect the eyes from pollen.
Wear a hat to prevent pollen from collecting in the hair and then sprinkling down onto the eyes and face.
Have your car fitted with a pollen filter, and drive with the windows closed at high-count times.
Do not have flowers inside your home.
Keep all surfaces, floors, and carpets as dust free as possible.
Choose a vacuum cleaner with a good filter.
Use “mite-proof” bedding.
Use a dehumidifier to prevent mould.
Keep away from cigarette smoke, and quit, if you are a smoker.
Smear Vaseline around the inside edges of your nostrils, as it helps stop pollen from getting through.
Ask a Doctor for a plan, if you know your susceptible time is just around the corner.

By Saima Ismail