Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, sneezing and sinus pressure. But unlike a cold, hay fever isn’t caused by a virus. Hay fever is caused by an allergic response to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Hay fever is common — it affects more than 1 in 5 people. Some people have symptoms year-round. For others, hay fever symptoms get worse at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer

Hay fever can make you miserable and affect your performance at work or school, and interfere with leisure activities. But you don’t have to put up with annoying symptoms. Learning how to avoid triggers and finding the right treatment can make a big difference.

Symptoms

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.

Causes

During a process called sensitization, your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless airborne substance as something harmful. Your immune system then starts producing antibodies to this harmless substance. The next time you come in contact with the substance, these antibodies recognize it and signal your immune system to release chemicals such as histamine into your bloodstream. These immune system chemicals cause a reaction that leads to the irritating signs and symptoms of hay fever.

Treatments and drugs

The best hay fever treatment is to avoid the substances that cause your reaction. However, this isn’t always possible, and you may need additional treatments along with strategies to prevent exposure.

If your hay fever isn’t too severe, over-the-counter medications may be enough to ease your symptoms. For more bothersome symptoms, you may need to take prescription medications.

Medications for hay fever include: Nasal corticosteroids, Antihistamines, Decongestants, Cromolyn sodium, Leukotriene modifier, Nasal ipratropium and Oral corticosteroids.

Lifestyle and home remedies

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. If you would like more information call Garvan at Lynch’s pharmacy on 4366923.

with Garvan J. Lynch B.Sc.N.U.I. B.Sc. Chem. G.R.S.C. B.Sc. Pharm. M.P.S.I. M.R.Pharm.S. of Lynchs Pharmacy