Understanding Hay Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options ( Photo by Andrea Piacquadio ) Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, ...
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| Understanding Hay Fever: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options (Photo by Andrea Piacquadio) |
Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic condition that affects up to 1 in 5 people at some point in their life[1]. It is caused by an allergic reaction to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander[3]. Contrary to its name, hay fever is not necessarily a reaction to hay, and it does not cause a fever[2].
Causes of Hay Fever
If you have hay fever, it's because your immune system views harmless inhaled pollen or other allergens as dangerous substances invading the body. Your system overreacts, flooding your bloodstream with chemicals like histamine and leukotrienes. These inflame the lining of your nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids and also cause other symptoms[6].
Symptoms of Hay Fever
The symptoms of hay fever can vary in severity and may include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red, or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose, and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired
If you have asthma, you might also experience a tight feeling in your chest, be short of breath, wheeze, and cough[5].
Treatment Options for Hay Fever
There is currently no cure for hay fever, but most people can relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent[1]. The most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen, but it's very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months[1]. Therefore, treatment options for hay fever include:
- Antihistamines: These help to prevent an allergic reaction and can be taken as drops, tablets, or nasal sprays[1][5].
- Corticosteroids (steroids): These help to reduce inflammation and can be taken as nasal sprays, eye drops, or tablets[1].
- Cromolyn sodium: This medication can help relieve hay fever symptoms by preventing the release of histamine. It is available as a nonprescription nasal spray that must be used several times a day and in eye drop form with a prescription[4].
- Immunotherapy: This type of treatment involves being exposed to small amounts of pollen over time, which builds resistance to pollen's allergic effects. However, it can take many months or even years to work and is usually recommended for severe and persistent hay fever[1].
If you have hay fever, you can get advice and treatment from a pharmacist, and for more severe and persistent hay fever, you should consult a GP[1]. Your GP might prescribe a steroid treatment, such as a steroid nasal spray, and if steroids and other hay fever treatments do not work, your GP may refer you for immunotherapy[5]. This kind of treatment usually starts in the winter about 3 months before the hay fever season begins[5].
Citations:
[1] https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/immune-system/hay-fever/
[2] https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/hay-fever/
[3] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/hay-fever
[4] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373045
[5] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hay-fever/
[6] https://www.webmd.com/allergies/understanding-hay-fever-basics
