Hay Fever - its causes and treatments

Hay fever (or seasonal allergic rhinitis, to use its real name), affects many people, making springtime a miserable period for them. We at MyHealthPortal look at the causes of this condition, the effects and possible strategies for minimising the symptoms - and therefore the suffering.

Anyone who suffers from hay fever, would not need to look out of the window to know the time of year it is. Their streaming itchy eyes, their running nose and sneezing tell them it is spring and their allergy has just re-surfaced.

Causes

The symptoms of hay fever occur when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance; in this case, pollen. When the body comes into contact with pollen, cells in the lining of the nose, mouth and eyes, release a chemical called histamine. It is this which triggers the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Who will suffer from hay fever?

People with a family history of allergies are more likely to suffer from hay fever and symptoms tend to reach their peak between the ages of 15 and 25. However, it may develop for the first time at any age and can disappear at any time. Hay fever affects around 20% of people in the UK which means there may be over 10 million people in England alone, with the disorder. Not everyone's symptoms will develop at the same time as people will be allergic to various pollens, which are released at differing times. For example, grass pollen is the most common to which people are allergic; but hay fever can also be caused by various tree and weed pollens.

Is there a cure?

There is no complete cure, but there are many treatments available which can relieve the symptoms.

Can I avoid the cause of hay fever?

Pollen counts are at their highest in the early morning, late afternoon and early evening. You can check on the pollen count before going outside . If you have to go out, you should wear wrap-around sunglasses to prevent pollen irritating the eyes; keep car windows closed and shower and wash your hair when you return home.

Which treatment should I use?

There are many treatments available for this condition and obviously, some will work more efficiently than others. It is a question of establishing what works best for you and then sticking to it. Most of the treatments are available over the counter (OTC medicines), but there are also medications which can be prescribed by your doctor (prescription medicines), if your symptoms are very severe.

OTC medications

• Nasal sprays
• Nasal sprays
• Antihistamines (in tablet or spray form)
• Eye drops

Prescription medication

· Oral corticosteroids

· Immunotherapy

· Decongestants

If you are affected by hay fever and treating yourself, your treatment could possibly be more effective if you talk to your pharmacist. New treatments are emerging all the time and your pharmacist will have first-hand knowledge of these, together with their possible side-effects and interactions.

If your symptoms are particularly severe, you are pregnant - or if you have an important occasion - or perhaps exams, during your annual outbreak, you can go to your doctor for advice and perhaps prescription medication, if necessary. Just because it cannot be cured, does not mean you have to suffer the worst of the symptoms.

One other interesting fact which has surfaced over the last few years is that taking locally-produced honey may ease the symptoms, almost by proffering a de-sensitisation effect on the sufferer. The main thing is to make sure it is local honey - (available from local farms or farmer's markets), and to start taking it well before the hay fever season starts.