Hay Fever
By: Brian HarmonTotal Views: 161, Word Count: 557,
Hay fever is basically a body’s response to allergens like pollen, mold and dust. When one has runny nose, sneezing, congestion, watery eyes, itching and coughing, these can be symptoms of hay fever. Although these symptoms are similar to a common cold, these can last for more days as compared to common fever. Hay fever is the response of the body which is the immune response which interprets an allergen that it is exposed to. In other words, it is your body’s way to fight with the allergens which can be a bacterial or viral infection. Hay fever is commonly resulted due to tree pollens, ragweed, grass and mold. The symptoms of hay fever depend upon the type of infection, your location and the weather.
In many countries, media outlets in specific areas publish daily levels of allergens like tree or grass pollen, which can be helpful to cope with it. Finally, we can say that it is not a life-threatening medical condition. It can be just ignored to some extent. Otherwise, one can take recommended medicines like decongestants, antihistamines or steroids. In complicated situations, one can use allergy injections.
Causes of Hay Fever
Hay fever is caused by allergens, foreign particles, etc. that enter the body by inhalation, swallowing or through the skin.
In the case of hay fever, the allergens are mostly airborne substances that enter through the mouth, throat, nose and lungs. In most of the cases, it is hard to identify the allergens.
Once these allergens enter into your airway, the white blood cells of the body produce antibodies to defend the body against this. This type of overreaction response to a harmless substance is known to be hypersensitivity reaction.
When the antibody produced by white blood cells attacks the antigen or allergen, they release the chemicals and hormone mediators, for e.g. Histamine. These mediators cause the symptoms of hay fever.
Common Allergens in Hay Fever
Pollen is known to be a common allergen which is released by flowering plants. It travels by wind towards the human body. This pollination process takes place during a specific climate and depends on the type of plant. As a result, allergic conditions due to pollination are restricted to a specific type.
Along with pollens, spores of fungus molds can form hay fever. It can affect in any seasons and environment.
Risk Factors
One can have hay fever in the following cases:
· Family members have the history of hay fever
· Frequent contact with the allergen
· Allergic conditions like eczema or asthma
· Nasal polyps
Symptoms of Hay Fever
The commonly occurring symptoms of hay fever are as follows:
· Sneezing
· Runny nose
· Postnasal drip
· Congested
· Watery or bloodshot eyes
· Sensation of plugged ear
· Itching of nose, ear canal, soft palate, eyes or skin
· Fatigue
· Trouble in sleeping
Treatment of Hay Fever
This condition does not require any medications as such. One can take the following self care at home.
· Try to avoid known or suspected area of allergens
· Gargle with water mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of table salt to soothe sore throat due to allergens.
· One can also take antihistamines like diphenhydramine or decongestants to relieve the symptoms.
Keep in mind that hay fever is not an actual fever related condition and nor a life threatening situation.
About the Author
Brian Harmon is a General Health Practitioner. He has an MD degree and has worked in different Medical Clinics of Texas for 25 long years.
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