THE winter season is almost over. We are now slowly getting into spring weather, with its warmer days and occasional cool mornings and evenings. Hopefully the flu epidemic that has affected so many people will soon be behind us.
However, every season comes with its own health hazards. One of the most common that comes with spring is hay fever. With symptoms that are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing and congestion, some people are unaware that they suffer from it, presuming they just have a cold that will not go away.
If you have symptoms of a cold that lasts for weeks, it is possible that it is not a cold you are suffering from but an allergy such as hay fever, especially if the symptoms include itchy or watery eyes.
Causes
Hay fever, also called allergic. rhinitis, is caused by an allergic response to airborne substances such as pollen. Although common in spring, the time of year when it affects you, depends on what substance or allergen you react to.
Despite its name, hay fever does not mean that you are allergic to hay and will have a fever. Hay is hardly ever an allergen. Fever is not a symptom.
Hay fever occurs when your immune system mistakes a normally harmless airborne substance for a threat. Your body produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E. (IgE) to attack the threat, releasing the chemical histamine. It is histamine that causes the symptoms.
Seasonal hay fever triggers include pollen, which is the commonest trigger, and spores that only cause symptoms at certain times of the year. Examples of hay fever triggers include tree pollen early in the season, grass pollen in late spring and summer, weed pollen and fungi or mould spores, which are commonest in warm weather.
Other triggers include pet hair or dander, dust mites and cockroach dust. Irritants that can lead to symptoms of hay fever include cigarette smoke, perfumes and diesel exhaust fumes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, watery eyes, itchy throat and a blocked, itchy or runny nose. Severe symptoms may include sweating, head-aches, loss of smell and taste, facial pain caused by blocked sinuses and itchiness spreading from the throat to the nose and ears.
Some people may experience tiredness or fatigue, irritability and insomnia. If you suffer from asthma, you may experience more wheezing and breathlessness at times when hay fever symptoms are common.
Diagnosis
Your doctor is likely to consider your symptoms and your personal and family medical history in reaching an initial diagnosis. A blood test will show the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This will be high if an allergy is present.
Zero IgE antibodies indicate no sensitivity, while six indicates y high sensitivity.
Another blood or skin test t may be done to identify which substance you are allergic to. In a skin test, the skin is pricked with a small amount of a known allergen. Another possible test involves injecting an allergen under the skin and checking for a reaction about 20 minutes later.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for hay fever. However, symptoms can be managed with a range of over-the-counter treatments. Antihistamine tablets or sprays are normally recommended for hay fever and other allergies to stop the release of histamine.
They usually effectively relieve symptoms of a runny nose, itching and sneezing but do not normally unblock congested sinuses. Some antihistamines can cause drowsiness. There are others that do not do so.
Eye drops may be used to reduce itching and swelling in the eyes. They are usually used together with other medications. Nasal corticosteroids sprays may be used to treat the inflammation caused by hay fever. They offer a safe and effective long-term treatment. However, it may take a week for benefits to show.
Oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone tablets may be prescribed to treat severe hay fever symptoms. These are for short-term use only as long-term use is linked to cataracts, muscle weakness and osteoporosis.
Immunotherapy can provide long-term relief by gradually desensitising the immune system to the allergens that trigger the symptoms. It is usually received in the form of allergy injections or sublingual drops for people whose symptoms are serious and have not cleared up following other treatment.
Immunotherapy may lead to lasting remission of allergy symptoms. It may help prevent the development of asthma and new allergies. Injections are given by your doctor or at a clinic but sublingual immunotherapy, or medication that is dissolved under the tongue, can be taken at home.
Pregnant women are advised to speak to their doctor before taking any medication to prevent potential adverse effects on foetal development.
Prevention
The best way to prevent or limit symptoms of hay fever is to minimise exposure to things you know you are allergic to. If you react to pollen, remain indoors when possible during pollen sea-sons, particularly on windy days or after thunderstorms. Keep windows and doors shut when the pollen count is high.
Avoid activities known to cause exposure to pollen, such as mowing grass. Take a shower and change your clothes after outdoor activities where exposure to pollen is high. Use re-circulated air in the car when pollen levels are high.
Wear sunglasses when you are outside as this reduces the amount of pollen that can get into your eyes. Regularly splash your eyes with cool water, to sooth them and clear them of pollen.
Wear a hat to prevent pollen from collecting in your hair that may then cascade down onto your eyes and face. You can also smear petroleum jelly around the inside edges of your nostrils to help stop pollen entering them.
It is best not to have flowers inside your house if you suffer from hay fever. Keep all surfaces, floors and carpets as dust free as possible. Choose a vacuum cleaner with a good filter dry bedding and clothing indoors or in a tumble dryer.
If you are allergic to house dust mites, wash sheets, pillow cases and other bedding weekly in hot water. Cover your mattress, pillow and duvet with dust mite resistant covers. Remove visible mould by cleaning with bleach or other mould reduction cleaners. Ensure adequate natural ventilation. Avoid working with garden compost and mulch.
Use a dehumidifier to prevent mould. Keep away from cigarette smoke. Quit smoking, if you are a smoker.
Ensure pets are kept out of bedrooms and out of the house. If they have to stay inside, wash them when they come indoors on a high pollen count day or smooth their fur down with a damp cloth.
