Do You Have Any Hay Fever Symptoms?

Hay fever is caused when exposed to pollen, dust mites and allergens. Hay fever injection is a common treatment method.

Hay fever, also referred to as allergic rhinitis, has affected at least 39% of the adult population and 40% of children in the UK. Of these patients, nearly 33% experience a significant impact on their lives and daily routines. More than 50% of patients also find it difficult to sleep. These numbers are already much higher than other countries, and will nearly double 10 years from now due to an increase in pollution, temperature and urbanisation.

Hay fever is an allergy of the nose caused when eyes or the nose come into contact with pollens, dust mites, animal hair, moulds and other environmental allergens. The disease is generally noted when grass pollens are found at the greatest level in the environment. In such a case, hay fever is termed seasonal. If symptoms are observed throughout the year, then the condition is called perennial allergic rhinitis, caused by the body’s reaction to home allergens like animal hair and dust mites.

Symptoms:

The most common hay fever symptoms are listed below:

• • Runny nose

  • Congested nasal pathway

  • Red, itchy eyes referred to as allergic conjunctivitis

  • Itchy nose, mouth and throat

  • Blue skin below the eyes

If the condition is severe, then the patient may often feel tired and face difficulty in sleeping at night.

Causes:

Hay fever is caused when your immune system treats pollen and other inhaled substances as dangerous. The body then overreacts and produces substances like leukotrienes and histamine which inflame the nasal passages and eyelids. The process triggers other common hay fever symptoms such as sneezing.

The symptoms develop as a means to protect the body by preventing the allergens from entering. However, this causes congested veins, producing dark circles under the eyes. Sometimes, nosebleeds may also occur.

Treatment:

The most effective treatment plans for hay fever are usually based on limiting exposure to the main substances that cause the disease. If the symptoms are minor, then simple over-the-counter medications are usually enough. For worsened conditions, prescription medications and hay fever injection must be administered. Usually a combination works best. Please note that all medications aren’t suitable for children. Read all the instructions carefully and seek professional help.

Considering medications, the most common ones are nasal corticosteroids, which treat itching and inflammation in the nose. Generally, they are effective and are often prescribed before any other medication. Antihistamines, administered as pills, and decongestants in the form of sprays, liquids or tablets are also prescribed. If the allergy is too severe, then oral corticosteroids such as prednisone or hay fever injection are preferred for treatment. Injections have to be received for three to five years. Their administration makes the patients used to symptoms that cause allergy, which decreases their dependency on medicines.

Hay fever injection is especially effective for patients who are allergic to pollen, dust mites or cat dander. Children can also receive injections because asthma development is prevented.

If you observe any hay fever symptoms, it is best to seek professional health. Get in touch with medical doctors and consultants today who may either prescribe medications or suggest hay fever injection depending on the severity of the disease.