‘Tis the Season to be Wheezy: It’s Hay Fever Time
What is Hay Fever?
Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) refers to an allergy to pollen and is usually seasonal, but may occur year round or perennially. It’s also called allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergic rhinitis. It got its name in the 1800’s and is misleading. Some British doctors noticed that some rural residents experienced sneezing, coughing, and itchy watery eyes after cutting hay. They noticed the condition caused nervousness, and so came about “fever” one old English definition of nervousness. Allergies don’t cause fever, and it is the pollen or mold that causes the reaction and not the hay.
Symptoms of Hay Fever
Signs and symptoms of hay fever may include:
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Congestion
- Frequent sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, roof of mouth or throat
- Swollen, blue-colored skin under the eyes (allergic shiners)
- Cough
- Facial pressure and pain
Causes of Hay fever
Inhaled allergens cause the allergic reaction. Your body identifies the allergens as “enemies” and makes an anti-body to fight against it called immunoglobulin E (IgE). When you’re exposed to an allergen, your body releases IgE which in turn triggers the discharge of inflammatory chemicals which swell the mucous membranes of your nose, eyes and sinuses which cause the running of your nose and watering of your eyes and lead to coughing and sneezing.
Seasonal hay fever symptoms can be caused by:
- Tree pollen
- Grass pollen
- Weed pollen
- Spores from fungi and mold
Perennial hay fever symptoms can be caused by:
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Animal dander
- Spores from indoor and outdoor fungi and molds
Home Remedies for Hay Fever
Avoiding the allergens is the most obvious thing to do. However, this is all but impossible unless you live in a bubble. Don’t go out early in the morning or later in the evening when the pollen levels are highest. Try to stay indoors on high ozone days when the allergens will also be plentiful. Avoid using nasal sprays for more than 3 days in a row. That might make nasal congestion worse. Avoid smoke and other pollutants.
Some things you can do to help soothe and ease the symptoms of hay fever:
- Mince together grapefruit and lemon and add a tablespoon of honey to the mixture. Take up to 3 times a day. Helps open swollen mucous membranes.
- Boil chamomile leaves in water, and breathe in vapor or steam. Acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- Irrigate your sinus passage with a nasal douche. You can find one at your local drugstore.
- In hot weather, use the air conditioner in your home and car. Open windows let in more pollen—closed windows keep it out. Clean the air conditioner filter once a month.
- Use the dryer to dry your clothes; don’t hang them on a clothesline.
- Shower after being outside to lessen the amount of pollen left on your hair and skin. If you can’t shower every night, thoroughly wash your hands and face paying special attention to your eyes and making sure to irrigate them well.
-Anne
Do you have any home remedies for a Hay Fever? Comment and share them with us!
