What is Hayfever (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)?
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A staggering 25 million people suffer from hayfever (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis) every year. Hayfever is an inflammatory disorder of nasal linings and other membranes like the eyes, Eustachian tubes and palate caused by inhaled pollen, mold spores, animal fur, dust etc. People who suffer from hayfever usually have a high level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This results in the overreaction to pollens, dust, etc. whilst other people who come in contact with these same substances don't have an allergic reaction. There is a genetic link as several people have a family history of hayfever, allergies, eczema and asthma. Medically this is referred to as atopy, i.e. there is an inherited and inherent reaction by the body to substances that would usually not affect other people. This Ig E mediated reaction results in swelling, inflammation, congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes etc.
A collection of irritants, predominantly in the nose, occurs after exposure to airborne particles of dust, dander, animal fur or pollens from certain seasonal plants.
The presence of any of these allergens (pollen, dust, animal fur etc.) causes irritation of the nasal linings and further stimulates the body's immune system which then over- reacts in the presence of these substances causing inflammation. This is what we term hayfever.
Hayfever is related to asthma and eczema and often runs in the family. Usually some family members have asthma; some could have hayfever while others may have eczema or a combination these conditions.
Pollen is present at different times of the year and its quantity varies from season to season. Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis attacks also depend on what pollen you are allergic to. The grass pollen season usually begins between mid-May and June, ending sometime between mid-July and August. The causes of hayfever are seasonal and symptoms can be experienced at other times of the year due to sensitivity to other allergens.
Peak pollen time is usually in early summer when school and university examinations take place, this make it very difficult to revise and to perform well in examinations. Many conventional hayfever treatments can lead to drowsiness and work impairment. Some plants may produce pollen in other seasons and therefore trigger hayfever attacks then.
What are the causes of hayfever?
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Hayfever is an overreaction of the immune system to allergens which other people are not troubled by when exposed to these allergens. This over-reaction leads to all the symptoms of hayfever.
The allergens that trigger hayfever cannot be eliminated and can only be minimized. It is usually caused by inhaled allergens such as grass, weed, mold, spores, pollen, dust mites, chemicals, cosmetics, deodorants, animal hair and some foods and weather conditions.
Here is a brief overview of some of the most common causes -
- Allergy to pollen
When pollen comes into contact with the tissue inside the nose, it triggers a reaction that causes congestion, sneezing, itching and a runny nose. This is the body's methods of flushing away the allergen particles. The following are different types of pollen:
- The pollen from the male reproductive parts of plants
- Pollen from grasses
- Pollen from trees
- Molds
Molds are little spots greenish/black in color that cause allergic rhinitis if inhaled, which predisposes you to hayfever. They are usually found on food, wood, window sills, paper and any other surfaces that are cool, shady and moist. They can also be found in rotting logs, leaf litter and moist shaded soil and cannot grow without water. Indoor plants can be a perfect source for molds development in the home. Molds are usually found in rainy, damp or humid areas.
- Dust
Another common cause can be dust mites. Dusty carpets and other surfaces can contain a lot of dust. Individuals who are prone to dust allergies may quickly pick up hayfever from dust. House dust usually contains the house dust mite that feeds on human skin that we shed onto our linen etc. The faeces of the dust mite is often the allergen.
- Animals, cockroaches and other insects
Animal and insect hairs or air pollutants may get trapped in the mucus linings of the nose when inhaled. This may result in the initial irritation and then inflammation of the mucus membranes leading to hayfever.
The symptoms of hayfever...
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Pollen season vary geographically and people are allergic to different pollens, therefore symptoms usually vary from person to person but often include the following:
- Constant sneezing
- Terrible coughing
- Runny and itchy nose
- Blocked nose
- Nasal and sinus discharge
- Red, watery and itchy eyes
- Dry itchy throat and tongue
- Itchy ears
- Itchy palate (roof of mouth)
Hayfever symptoms are very common in youth between the ages of 15 and 30. It occurs less often in later life and symptoms are usually less intense.
Preventions
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There are several things you can do to lessen symptoms of hayfever which include:
- Stay inside between 5pm and 5am during summer (pollen count is at its highest during these times) when sleeping
- Keep windows and doors closed from 5pm to 5am during summer, when sleeping
- Vacuum and dust (with damp cloth) your home regularly, to minimize pollen and dust
- Airing bedclothes in direct sunlight is also helpful
- Avoid irritants such as smoke and chemical fumes
- Be aware of the pollen count (which is usually broadcast along with the weather). Try to avoid areas of high pollen concentration e.g. long grass, lawn mowing and raking leaves. If you need to work in these environments consider wearing a mask and protective glasses.
- Avoid mucus-forming foods such as dairy products, refined wheat products and processed foods in general.
- Taking a multivitamin supplement especially of Vitamin C every hayfever season can help prevent or reduce its severity.
- The use of homeopathic remedies and other herbal products have shown to be effective preventatives against hayfever.
Can hayfever be treated?
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Hayfever is a disturbing condition that may contribute in lessening one's productivity at work, at school and everywhere else. However, this condition can be treated without experiencing side effects like drowsiness, dryness as well as exorbitant medical bills.
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