Hay Fever

About Hay Fever 

Hay fever key facts

• Hay fever is an allergy which causes sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing and a runny nose. 
• Hay fever can be triggered by seasonal pollen, such as grass, and other triggers, such as animal fur and dust mites. 
• Hay Fever cannot be cured, however, by taking hay fever medications and avoiding allergens, the effects can be reduced. 
• When performing an allergy test for hay fever, it’s important to consider your medical history and symptoms. A skin allergy test may not be suitable for people with skin conditions such as eczema or for those currently taking medications like antihistamines.

Hay fever is a pollen allergy. There are 3 types of pollen that are active at different times of the year:

1. Tree pollen (from late March to mid-May)
2. Grass pollen (from mid-May to July) and
3. Weed pollen (from June to September).

Most people react to grass pollen, but many may be allergic to more than one type of pollen.

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, causes symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold. However, the key difference is that hay fever is triggered by allergens such as pollen, whereas a cold is caused by a viral infection.

Pollen is a fine powder, like microscopic grains, released by plants during their reproductive cycle. This pollen is transported by either wind or insects. Pollen grains contain proteins that can inflame or irritate parts of your body, like the eyes, nose, or throat.

Symptoms of hay fever can hinder good performance at work and school; however, symptoms can be managed with effective hay fever medication. 

Avoiding pollen can be difficult, especially during seasons when pollen counts are high. To help maximise the chances of avoiding contact with pollen, consult the NHS-recommended Pollen Forecast, provided by the Met Office. 

Differences between hay fever and the common cold

Hay fever

• You experienced no fever.
• Runny nose with thin, watery discharge.
• No muscle aches.
• Itchy, red, and watery eyes due to allergens.
• Hay fever occurs immediately. You are exposed to allergens, hence the immediate notice of the symptoms.

Common cold

• You experience a mild to severe fever, depending on the severity of the common cold.
• Runny nose with thick yellow discharge.
• Muscle aches.
• A common cold can take up to three days before you experience its symptoms.
• Red and watery eyes.

How is Hay Fever diagnosed?

Hay fever can be diagnosed in two ways: a blood test for allergy and through a physical examination.

To carry out a physical examination, the doctor may:

• Examine your throat, nostrils and face.
• Request that you breathe through your nose.

Hay fever blood test

Hay fever can be diagnosed using a blood test or a skin prick. Different samples of allergens are placed on your skin forearm or the back of your arm, one at a time.

The doctor pricks or scratches your skin with a needle to test which type of allergen you are allergic to. This helps introduce the allergen into your bloodstream. If your skin appears red, itchy, and irritated after 15 minutes, the test proves that you are allergic to the given allergen.

When seeking a professional medical opinion and diagnosis for hay fever, please consult your doctor. 

How to prevent Hay Fever

Some of the ways to prevent hay fever:

• Avoid environments that expose you to allergens.
• Take hay fever medications, being sure to follow the instructions included with the relevant hay fever medicines. 
• Wear sunglasses when performing outdoor activities to protect your eyes from pollen.
• Be sure to close your house and car windows during the summer, spring, and early fall when pollen is high.
• Change your pillowcases and mattress covers often to protect your skin from dust mites.
• Monitor the Pollen Forecast to prevent unwanted contact with pollen.

The causes of Hay Fever

Hay fever is caused by the body's over-sensitivity to pollen. Pollen triggers the release of histamine in the body, which causes hay fever symptoms. This is why an antihistamine for hay fever is effective as a medication.

It is not clear as to why people are allergic to pollen; however, some factors make you more likely to be allergic. These include parents suffering from hay fever, having other allergies, suffering from asthma or eczema, and being exposed to tobacco at an early age.

What triggers the immune system's response in hay fever?

When you inhale an allergen through your nose or mouth, your immune system mistakenly identifies it as a harmful substance.

To protect your body, the immune system releases a natural chemical called histamine into your bloodstream.

The release of histamine causes inflammation and irritation of the mucous membranes in your nose, eyes, or throat, leading to symptoms such as itchiness, sneezing, and a runny nose as your body reacts to the allergen.

Other factors that make you more likely to be allergic to hay fever include:

• Exposure to smoke or strong-smelling environments can interfere with the lining of your nasal membranes. For example, working in a factory or living near a sewage site or landfill

• Environments that expose you to allergens like dust mites and animal dander.

What is the best treatment for hay fever?

Some of the best hay fever medicines include:

• Nasonex
• Fexofenadine Tablets, 120mg
• Dymista Nasal Spray
• Beconase Aqueous Nasal Spray

What are the signs and symptoms of hay fever?

These are symptoms commonly associated with hay fever:

• Frequent sneezing
• Itchy or red eyes
• Scratchy or itchy throat or mouth
• Runny nose

Other Symptoms:

1. Postnasal Drip: You experience postnasal drip when mucus runs at the back of your throat

2. Coughing: A persistent cough as a result of irritation

3. Allergic Shiners: This is when the skin under your eyes appears bruised or swollen

4. Fatigue: Often due to insufficient sleep

5. Headaches: Pain or discomfort in the head region

6. Anosmia: Loss of smell

7. Blocked Sinuses: Resulting in facial pains

8. Earache: Pain or discomfort in the ears