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Hay fever: symptoms, causes and treatment.

Hay fever: symptoms, causes and treatment.

Hay fever can wreak havoc on your daily life and is usually caused by annoying pollutants, pollen and dust in the air. Learn how to manage and find relief from those allergy symptoms.

Allergens in the environment can have an impact on your health. Hay fever is a condition that can be caused by allergens. This presents itself through respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, headache and hay fever, which can be caused by pollen, dust or air pollution. Although the allergy is widespread in the spring and autumn months, it is not considered dangerous. There are simple lifestyle changes, as well as therapies and saline solutions, that can help you prevent fever and feel better. Allergens that can cause the condition should also be avoided at all costs.

What is hay fever?

Hay fever, scientifically called allergic rhinitis, is a form of allergy caused by environmental factors such as pollen from various plants, mold, and pet hair. A study, published by the National Institutes of Healthstates that hay fever affects the upper respiratory tract. “The most common complaints associated with hay fever include intense sneezing, watery eyes, runny or stuffy nose, and excessive tiredness at specific times of the year, mainly during spring and fall,” explains the otolaryngologist. Dr Jyotirmay S Hegde. However, hay fever can be controlled with various medications, nasal sprays, and avoiding allergens.

Symptoms of hay fever

To determine if a person has hay fever, you can check for the following common symptoms:

  • Sneezing: Episodes of frequent and uncontrollable sneezing spasms.
  • Runny or stuffy nose: Clear watery discharge from the nose or nasal congestion (blockage).
  • Itchy eyes: Red, watery or itchy eyes also with swelling.
  • Itchy throat or mouth: Itchy sensation in the throat, causing a feeling of discomfort.
  • Cough: Dry cough associated with postnasal drip.
  • Fatigue: An abnormal state of feeling tired or lacking energy, especially during allergy season.
  • Headache: The feeling of fullness in the sinuses can also cause headaches.

What are the causes of hay fever?

Many environmental factors influence the onset of fever:

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1. pollen

During March through September in the US, trees typically have the highest pollen levels. This is followed by grasses in late spring or summer, and then green pollen appears again in late summer or autumn, usually from weeds. This can cause hay fever. says a study published in Scientific Reports. When inhaled, pollen grains can affect the immune system, causing sneezing or itchy eyes, among other symptoms. Pollen allergies in children They are common too.

2. Mold spores

Mold spores and growth can be found in any damp space, whether indoors or outdoors, as they are easily released into the air, especially when there is high humidity. These can also cause allergic reactions. He Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America claims that these spores enter the nose and cause rhinitis symptoms. They then reach the lungs and cause asthma.

3. Dust mites

Dust mites are microscopic parasites found in dust, carpets, bedding, and furnished furniture throughout the year. Their droppings and parts of them can be released into the air causing an allergic reaction in people. However, a research article, published by the National Institutes of Healthstates that dust mites do not cause hay fever all the time. Most of the time they cause milder symptoms than those present in hay fever.

4. Cockroach droppings

These insects are usually found in places such as kitchens and bathrooms. They also have the ability to cause allergies through their feces, saliva or shedding of body parts. He American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunologystates that the saliva, feces and body parts of cockroaches are what trigger both asthma and allergies. When these are released into the air, they affect our health.

A woman with a headache
Dust, pollen and air pollution can cause hay fever. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

5. Other environmental factors

Air pollution in the form of smoke and other harmful gases can facilitate the development of allergic reactions. Climatic states such as high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds also tend to help the dispersion of pollen in the surroundings, while humid climatic conditions encourage mold growth. All of this can cause hay fever. Research published by Medical University of Viennastates that the most important parameters of air pollution, such as matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone, cause an increase in the severity of pollen allergy symptoms.

Diagnosis of hay fever

To determine whether a person has hay fever, their medical history is often evaluated in detail, including a description of the symptoms, their onset, duration, and associated signs that may involve a reaction to specific allergens.
The next step is a physical examination of the patient, in which the nose and throat are especially examined for signs of inflammation and swelling.

In the diagnosis of hay fever, allergy tests can also be performed to identify risk allergens or blood tests to measure the level of IGE in the blood. “In addition, a nasal endoscopy that involves the use of flexible tubes with cameras installed at their tips can be performed to check if there is any problem in the nasal cavity,” says Dr. Hegde.

How to treat hay fever?

There are a few ways to treat this allergic condition:

1. Avoid triggers

It is important to avoid allergens that can potentially cause the condition. This may include being indoors during high pollen levels, especially early in the morning and late afternoon with windows closed. Other strategies would be to put on clean clothes and bathe to remove pollen from your body after being outdoors.

2. Immunotherapy

This treatment may work for people who report persistent symptoms. It includes injections that gradually decrease a person’s sensitivity to allergens or dissolvable tablets that are placed under the tongue and are much easier to take at home.

3. Alternative therapy

Saline nasal rinses will help remove allergens and relieve swelling. Butterbur extracts may also help relieve symptoms, but a doctor should be consulted before taking any herbal treatment.

4. Lifestyle changes

He smoke impact In health it is tremendous. Changing your current schedule to ensure you include anti-inflammatory items, keeping your surroundings clean, and using HEPA filters on vacuum cleaners and air purifiers can also alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.

A woman rubbing her eyes.
Watery eyes are a symptom of hay fever. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

How to prevent hay fever?

People who suffer from hay fever can take a variety of preventive measures. When you return from abroad, it is best to take a shower and change your clothes to get rid of any allergens that may be in them. Additionally, knowing when the pollen count is high or low helps you understand the best times to go outdoors. This helps reduce exposure to triggers. Adhering to all these preventive measures helps reduce the chances of suffering from hay fever.

Is hay fever dangerous?

Hay fever is generally not considered dangerous, but proper management and maintenance care is important to avoid getting sick frequently and lead a healthy life.

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