Hayfever

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Hayfever

Each year spring marks the onset of…running noses, streaming eyes, itchy throat and sneezing!  It is Hayfever time or allergic rhinitis, as it is sometimes known.
 
Hayfever it is very common condition affecting 2 out of every 10 people in Britain.
 
It is caused by an over reaction by the body to pollen.  Pollen is usually a harmless substance but in some people it can trigger an allergic reaction.  It affects the parts of the body it comes into contact with, so the nose and the throat as it is inhaled and the eyes and even the mouth!
 
When pollen is detected in these parts of the body the immune system goes into over drive.  The immune system is responsible for helping to protect us from germs and illness but in the case of Hayfever it seems to react to the harmless pollen.
 
This is the time of year for most pollen to be airborne and therefore this is the time for most Hayfever sufferers to be at their worst.  When the pollen count is high the suffering is likely to be greater.   The pollen count will be affected by how many plants are flowering but also the weather.  Pollen is released by plants in the morning and then a sunny day will encourage more flowers to open and so the pollen count keeps rising until it is at its highest in the early evening.   If it is windy the pollen can spread about but when it rains the air will be cleared and so the pollen count will drop.
 
You are more susceptible to Hayfever if there is a history of allergies in your family especially asthma and eczema.
 
It you have the symptoms of Hayfever your own doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis.   Once confirmed the best way to treat Hayfever is to try to avoid the trigger.  One of my friends has had terrible Hayfever all his life, last summer he emigrated to Florida.  He has been fine ever since as the grass and so the pollen is different and doesn’t seem to affect him!   Rather a drastic treatment but it has worked.  If moving half way around the World is out of the question then trying to avoid as much pollen when the count is high is a great but often impractical treatment.
 
 
Treating the symptoms with creams, tablets, nasal sprays and eye drops usually helps most people. Speaking to your doctor or pharmacist can help you find something appropriate for your Hayfever.  People who also have asthma should ask the doctor for advice as asthma can be irritated by Hayfever and therefore the asthma medication might need adjusting during the Hayfever season.
 
Some tips that might help,
 
1. Keep the pollen out of your eyes by wearing wrap around sunglasses and keep it out of your nose by putting Vaseline around the edge of your nostrils then breathe through your nose not your mouth.

2. Keep the windows and doors shut in the house and close the curtains on sunny days to keep the temperature lower.

3. Keep away from grass.  Avoid cutting it, walking through it or rolling around in it!

4. If you do go out when the pollen count is high change your clothes and shower the pollen off your body and out of your hair when you get home.

5. Remember that cats and dogs will collect pollen on their fur so wash the dog and avoid the cat (which is usually easier the washing!!)

6. Vacuum your house with a vacuum specially designed to eliminate allergens (HEPA filter)

7. Dust your house using a damp cloth to avoid just spreading the dust and pollen around.

8. Don’t keep fresh flowers in the house.

9. Try an air filter for the house and for the air vents on the car.

10. Cigarette smoke will irritate the same areas of the body and so can make the symptoms of Hayfever worse.   Don’t’ smoke indoors or allow anyone to smoke around you as it can make the symptoms worse.

If you would like some answers or support about managing your hayfever, please ask our experts now.

Updated: 15th September 2009